Unity State Governor Dr. Joseph Nguen Monytuil on Tuesday suspended the State Minister of Health Moses Lam Dhil without any clear reasons.
Mr. Moses Lam was appointed into the position on the ticket of the Other Political Parties (OPP) – a signatory to the 2018 peace deal. The suspension order came after the minister reportedly appointed two grade 5 directors of health in two counties.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me under Article 99 (2) (a) of Unity State Transitional Constitution 2011 A.D. I Joseph Monytuil Wejang, Governor of Unity State, do hereby issue this Gubernatorial Decree for the suspension of Honorable Moses Lam Dhil as Minister of Health from his duties indefinitely, with immediate effect from the 10th day of August 2021,” read a gubernatorial decree issued by Governor Monytuil.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj from Bentiu town on Wednesday, the suspended minister said: “The way the governor suspended me is not lawful because there was no detailed reason for him to suspend me.”
“The decree has no explanations as to why I should be suspended, what I know is that he should have formed investigation committees, written a letter to the parties and then forward it to the President rather than unilaterally suspending someone without any genuine reason. Which law in the agreement gives the governor the right to fire or suspend a minister from another party like a mere civil servant?” Dhil asked.
For his part, Gabriel Hon Makuei, the State Minister of Information Minister said he had no information about the suspension of the health minister.
“I read that on social media but I will go to the general secretariat to confirm from there whether the health minister has been suspended or not,” he said.
Leading members of the Other Political Parties (OPP) could not immediately be reached for comment.