Authorities in South Sudan’s Jonglei State have suspended court hearings in the state for six months, saying that period will give local residents ample time to concentrate on agriculture.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Philip Aguer, Jonglei State governor said they suspended all activities in the state until November so that locals spend time on producing food for themselves.

"As a government, we decided to suspend all court cases except the murder cases and cases that concern security. And we urge citizens to concentrate on farming. We do not want locals to spend several days following their cases as this is the agricultural season," he said.

Governor Aguer also pointed out that they suspended traditional wrestling matches until November to avoid keeping youth engaged in unproductive activities.

Aguer did not, however, announce penalty against those found in defiance of the order.

But Advocate Micheal Mayen Maker, the president of Jonglei lawyers association said the governor does not have authority over the court, saying the judiciary is an independent body.