The newly appointed caretaker Governor of Unity state, Dr Joseph Nguen Monytuil, in an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj downplayed tensions with the outgoing governor Taban Deng Gai after taking his oath of office in Juba on Sunday before President Salva Kiir.

After the ceremony that was attended by many citizens and dignitaries of Unity state the crowd followed Dr Monytuil to his house where a traditional dance was performed.

Dr Monytuil was appointed to the position in a surprise decree by President Kiir on Sunday, which dismissed former governor Taban Deng Gai without giving any reasons.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj from his house during the celebration, Dr Monytuil said that he is very proud that the leadership of the SPLM and the people of Unity state once again called on him to serve them, and said he is ready to take over from where outgoing governor Taban Deng Gai left off.

“Being relieved from a position does not mean somebody failed, but it is a matter of change; one is appointed the same way one will be relieved,” he said.

He denied any suggestion that his appointment will create tension among the Nuer people, telling Radio Tamazuj: “I dismiss any rumour of conflict among the people of Unity state or any division, because it was at their request that the SPLM leadership appointed me,” he said.

The officer said that he was not taken by surprise but said that his past reputation in the Unity state leadership is what made the people of Unity state to call for his return. “The public can judge all people on their reputation.”

The Governor calls on the people of Unity state to embrace unity and support him in making a difference in their lives. “Together with the people of Unity state we will make difference in our community by providing what our people need,” he said.

Protesting removal

However as the new incumbent was sworn-in, outgoing Governor Taban Deng Gai is still protesting his removal: “I have to say the decree issued by the President relieving me is unconstitutional. In South Sudan’s transitional Constitution, it says that the President has the right to dismiss the Governor if he fails to govern the state. But I did not fail to govern,” he said.

Deng asserted that he was not given prior notice of the order for his dismissal, and that he has been dismissed “for political reasons having to do with Dr Riek Machar, the vice president.”

“Recently when I went to America, the President was suspicions that I had a separate meeting with the US government and that I’m pushing for Riek Machar’s election.” Deng strongly denied holding any meeting with American leadership and did not disclose why he went to the USA.

However Deng said that he wishes Dr Monytuil well but hinted at competition during the next election. Speaking at church prayers before an audience of churchmen and the bishop, Deng said: “My wishes to Comrade Joseph Nguen Monytuil – that he succeed in his two years, if there is an election. And there will be an election. There will be an election because there is something called the SPLM. There will be an election.”

“I am not bitter, not at all. I love peace. I want the unity of the people and I don’t want tribalism,” he concluded.

On the streets of Unity state, the news of Deng’s dismissal has received mixed reactions. Some people said that his leadership failed to meet the needs of the people of Unity state, despite having received a percentage of the oil income.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj anonymously, an officer said that “Deng has concentrated more on his own wealth than paying attention to the problems facing Unity state. Our people have no water, food, poor roads to the counties and insecurity,” he said.

Article 101 (s) of South Sudan’s interim Constitution gives the President the power to remove a state Governor in the event of “a crisis in the state that threatens national security and territorial integrity,” but this power is also linked in article 163 to a Vote of No Confidence in the State Assembly. The president is also empowered by the constitution to “appoint a state caretaker Governor who shall prepare for elections within sixty days in the state where the Governor has been removed... in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, the relevant state Constitution and the law.”

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, a representative for the SSLA, Tut Galuak, welcomed the appointment of the new Governor and urged President Kiir to find another post for Deng: “We wish the new Governor the best and hope he will take over from where Deng left off. Relieving somebody does not mean he failed but change is a fact of life and we all have to go,” he said.

File photo: Dr Joseph Nguen Monytuil