A section of citizens sounded out by Radio Tamazuj in the restive Warrap State on Thursday disapproved of President Salva Kiir’s sacking of former Governor Gen. Aleu Ayieny and said the former had improved security in the state, while others said his time was up.

Gen. Aleu Ayieny was appointed governor in March 2021 and replaced Bona Panek Biar. He served as governor of Warrap state for nearly two years and was fired on Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Manheim Bol was named the new governor.

Some Kuajok residents expressed anger at Gen. Aleu’s removal and said the state needed him.

Anguen Atem, 37, said the former governor contained runaway criminality, restored security, and should have been given time to accomplish more.

“I did not see anything wrong when it came to Aleu’s administration because he (Aleu) scared away criminals from Kuajok market and even outside the town,” she said. “The road going to Twic County became safe since last year and hospitals have medicine. He chased away criminals and that is why we love Aleu. He should be given two years to complete his task.”

Another Kuajok dweller, Emanuel Wol Wol Akech, said he was unhappy with the removal of Gen. Aleu saying the former governor brought peace and development.

“We do not know how the president does things in his office because the removal of Aleu Ayieny surprised everyone. People are asking themselves why he was removed yet he had brought development,” he mused. “There is the ongoing construction of the state assembly, construction of Warrap Stadium and he approved the community tournament which is for peace.”

However, Ngong Ajou Ngok of Gogrial town, said President Kiir was right to fire Gen. Aleu insisting that the latter’s time was up.

“The decree of the president firing Aleu is the right thing because his (Aleu’s) time is done and we need a new person to start new things,” he said. “Yes, Gen. Aleu used to move to the counties of Tonj but up to now people are still fighting there although he reduced the insecurity.”

On his part, Arol Deng Majok appreciated the former governor for ushering in security.

“In my opinion, changes are routine and there is no problem,” he said. “I appreciate Aleu for containing insecurity in Tonj because I visited Tonj myself last month and it was stable. Let us wait and see what the new governor will do for us.”