Authorities in Gok State are complaining of the arrest of a member of their state parliament in neighboring Tonj State, Hon. John Aremic Manga.

The MP representing Ngap Administrative Unit in Gok State was arrested on the 16 October. Aremic left Gok state for Tonj State to visit his wife who is staying in there.

Gok State authorities say that on his way home he was surrounded by an armed group and taken to a military barrack for investigation.

In a press release, Gok Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, Hon. Samuel Wel Maciek has pointed out that the arrest of Hon. John Aremic Manga by Tonj state government is a violation of the constitution, because a legislator cannot be arrested without lifting immunity.

He added that his arrest will lower relations between the two sisterly states.

The Speaker of Gok State Transitional Legislative Assembly Veronica Philiph Dak likewise confirmed and condemned the Tonj state government for arresting a member of parliament without a notification to Gok state government.

Veronica appealed to Tonj state to release Aremic to resume his duties in the parliament.

Nyibol Danga, a wife to John Aremic confirmed the arrest of her husband and said she is not allowed to visit her husband. Nyibol called on the two governments to work hard for the release of John Aremic or take him to court for trial.