Suspended Western Bahr el-Ghazal State Security Advisor Marko Peter Achor has welcomed the removal of Sarah Cleto Rial as governor.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday night, Achor said the chairman of the SPLM-IO, Dr Riak Machar, had rescued the state’s properties from being looted by Cleto.
“If there was a delay, many things would have been lost. I am happy and respect the decree. I hope there is nothing more, the decree came on time,” said Achor.
Last week, Cleto and Achor fell out over two vehicles donated to the state government by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Achor accused Cleto of diverting the two vehicles to her home, prompting the latter to order his suspension.
On Friday evening, President Salva Kiir issued a decree removing Cleto from her position.
Achor urged the state security personnel to monitor the properties, including vehicles.
“Let all the police, the army and the national security monitor the properties well,” he said.
“I hope the decree came following the things I mentioned recently, but it was also in the plan to remove the governor for the past two years,” he added.
Achor urged the new Governor, Emmanuel Primo Okello, to refrain from following the footsteps of Cleto.
“Congratulations to Emmanuel Primo Okello. It is his first time to be a governor and I hope he will succeed 100 percent. Let him not follow the footsteps of Cleto,” he added.
Western Bahr el-Ghazal civil society activist Stephen Robo Musa appreciated the outgoing governor for her efforts to make peace and ensure stability.
“We thank the outgoing governor for her efforts in maintaining peace because she was straightforward in resolving political differences and spearheading dialogue, despite the many challenges,” said Musa.
Musa also called on the new governor to focus on service delivery, including utilizing the revenue on developmental projects like improving the roads linking the counties to the state capital.
Radio Tamazuj was not able to reach Cleto for comments, as her phone diverted calls.