Deng Mayen Deng has been reinstated as Adiang Paramount Chief in Wunrok Payam of Twic County, Warrap State, authorities confirmed.
Deng was early this month demoted to the Deputy Paramount Chief position under Rian Chier. The change fueled claims that it was a directive from the Presidency.
Wunrok Payam Constituency Number 7 MP Deng Makuach told Radio Tamazuj he was surprised by the demotion of the popular Paramount Chief, adding that he was reinstated according to the local government act procedures.
Makuach said the demotion and the reinstatement remain unclear but admitted hearing that Governor Kuol Muor had received a directive from the Presidency to effect the demotion.
The MP said that they made a follow up until Deng was reinstated.
“It was surprising because Wunrok Payam has 20 chiefs, including a paramount chief, but all of them and the people were not aware of the changes being made by Governor Muor, so the people demonstrated and as parliamentarians, we said there were procedures to be followed in accordance with the Local Government Act Article 117 sub article 2,” he said.
Makuach further said the Office of the President held press a conference and denied issuing the directive for Deng’s dismissal.
Warrap Local Government Minister Mawien Atek said the Office of the President had issued the demotion and the reinstatement directives, absolving Muor from blame.
“It was the Office of President that directed us to demote and again to reinstate him and we have to respect directives from above,” he said.