The deputy governor of Gogrial State says that the South Sudan Council of States has not objected to his decision to create 13 counties in the new state in spite of guidance from the body that there should be no more than eight counties per state.

Deputy Governor Santino Akot Abiem said after the governor named 13 counties, some people thought that the number should be reduced to eight after the Council of States issued its guidance on the matter.

This was rejected by the Governor Abraham Gum Makuac who pointed out that he had already decreed the creation of thirteen counties.

“The first thing I want to tell you is that your governor went to Juba last week in order to discuss some issues with national government. While there, he asked me to convey his greetings to you. He met the president and they have discussed the situation of hunger which we hope something good will come out from their meeting and they will later today (Sunday) have another meeting,” he said.

“The governor has also met with the members of council of states and the good news is that your 13 counties are approved,” Akot explained.

He said the approval of more counties in his state is a positive move saying that it will reflect the vision of the SPLM of bringing services closer to the people.

Akot also thanked businessman Makir Gai for contributing funds to build commissioners offices and provide some office furnitures for the development of counties.

Gogrial State is one of 28 states created by President Salva Kiir by decree but challenged as unconstitutional by a coalition of opposition parties because the country's constitution specifies that there are only ten states in South Sudan.

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.

After the breakup of Warrap State into three states, initially Gogrial State was left with two counties – Gogrial West and East. Gogrial West was divided into nine counties while Gogrial East was divided into four counties.