Abraham Gum, governor of Gogrial state, one of the 28 states which President Salva Kiir is trying to create after issuing a controversial 'Establishment Order' in October last year, has issued an order dividing up and upgrading some of the administrative units to the status of counties and appointing county commissioners.

Governor Gum, according to order announced over the weekend, divided Gogrial West and East into 13 counties. The order created four counties in Gogrial East and 9 counties in Gogrial West.

The decision has generated mixed reactions, with some local officials questioning the criteria used to create and upgrade some administrative units to the status of a full county. No studies were carried out to assess and determine the need.

Peter Pakak, according to the order, was appointed commissioner of Awan Pajok, Peter Matem Yak, commissioner of Awan County, home to President Salva Kiir, Lual Lual Makek, commissioner of Awan Rieu, Andrew Ajang Akot, commissioner of Aguok North County, William Longar Pot, commissioner of Aguok Centre.

Other officials include Kuanyin Kuanyin as Aguok South, Deng Akol as commissioner of Aguok west. Aleu Kon was appointed Kuac North county commissioner and Bol Lual Ajak as commissioner of Kuac South.

Gogrial State is one of 28 states created by President Salva Kiir by decree but challenged as unconstitutional by a coalition of opposition parties. The country's constitution says that there are only 10 states.

Monitors of the peace agreement have called the creation of the 28 states a “violation” of the peace agreement. Salva Kiir says the 28 states are the demand of the people.