A former member of the Warrap state government denied a report that the caretaker governor tried to shoot his colleague.
Eye Radio, a Juba-based station, reported last week that caretaker governor Akech Tong attempted to shoot former physical infrastructure minister Mayar Deng after Mayar and two other former employees visited the governor’s office to ask about money owed to them, quoting Mayar himself.
The two other men were former Warrap security advisor James Achii Akuen and former Sports Minister Luka Lual. The three claim the state owes them unpaid benefits after a total of ten employees were removed from office three month ago.
Achii told Radio Tamazuj the governor did not attempt or threaten to shoot anyone. He told Radio Tamazuj that there was only an argument with the caretaker governor which culminated in the governor telling Mayar to leave his office.
Achii described the incident as a “small issue” when the three former employees visited the governor’s office and asked for their money.
“Akech replied there is no money currently now and we shall see when money come, maybe end of the month,” he explained. Achii said Mayar then asked the governor to explain why they had not been paid, saying the payment of dues is their right.
“Governor replied to Mayar that what you are doing is threatening, I am with you we are not going to separate,” Achii described. “Mayar insisted, and Akech asked Mayar to leave his office. Then I and Lual asked Mayar to leave together with him after the argument.”
Achii said they are owed 117,000 SSP each, as well as 72,000 SSP for car allowances each. He said if they are not paid they will not take the money by force but will go to court.
Caretaker governor Akech declined to answer questions when called. State minister of information Ariec Mayar Ariec said they are looking into what took place.
File photo: Warrap caretaker governor Akech Tong