The governor of Unity State, Dr. Monytuil Wejang, last week issued a gubernatorial decree suspending his minister of information and communication from his duties.
The suspended information minister, Gabriel Makuei Bol, over the weekend told Radio Tamazuj that no reasons were given for his suspension.
“I was suspended yesterday (Thursday) by the governor. I do not know why but the letter I got just said suspension. There was no reason at all, just a decree citing suspension. The conclusion is that I should cease my activities,” Bol said. “My car was confiscated twice by his (governor’s) office but I do not know the reason for that. I did not react to the indicators that lead him to confiscate my car to be detained 2-3 days until this suspension took place.”
The suspended minister said there was also making rounds that he was a supporter of Vice President Taban Deng Gai and that this might have led to his suspension.
“The other rumor which I did not hear from his mouth is that I am a supporter of Gen. Taban Deng Gai and sometimes is being told that the minister of information is happy because his community is in dire need of food assistance and the governor is not serious. These are the rumor I heard from his close people and that is what prompted him to act on this,” Bol said.
He said he accepted the suspension but is not sure under which article it fell.
“You know in this interim government, we are being appointed by the president of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit recommended by the governor as the SPLM chairman in the state,” Bol said. “So, I respect my suspension and I am staying at my home and I will be waiting for the next step because I am not relieved. I am just suspended from my duties and I am staying at my home right now.”
Last month Unity State governor Dr. Monytuil Wejang suspended the minister of health, Stephen Riek, and the commissioner of Rubkona County, Gatluak Whicar. The latter was on Thursday reinstated.