Upper Nile state ministry of local government and law enforcement has announced that it will dissolve all traditional leadership posts and restructure them in line with the revitalized government structures.
Minister Gathoth Gatkuoth Hothyang told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the positions of paramount chiefs, head chiefs, and sub-chiefs will be declared vacant in a period of 100 days, and elections conducted to elect new leaders to suit the new state structures.
He said, "Following the formation of the revitalized state government after one year, as you all knew that former 32 defunct states and SPLM-IO liberated areas has created more counties, payams that produced many paramount chiefs, head chiefs, and sub-chiefs."
Gatkuoth said implementation of the order will begin 100 days from April 21, 2021.
He pointed out that all candidates for the paramount, head, and sub-chief positions will pay a fee of USD 800, USD 500, and USD 400 respectively.
He further explained that the Shilluk kingdom will not be affected by the new orders.
For his part, chief Philip Ruan Chuol of Melut said, "The minister should have submitted the decision to the cabinet and then the state legislature for it to be made legal."
Ruan added he would file a complaint challenging the orders saying, "The minister says everyone who wants to run for the position of chief should pay fees in dollars. Since when was the currency of South Sudan the dollar?"
Chief Mansour Mustafa of Maban said the minister should have allowed wider consultations before publishing the order.
"The minister should submit the decision for further consultation before making the decision. I am not against the decision, but how it was reached was not correct especially if the people of Maban elected me as their chief," he said.
"My monthly salary is 5,000 SSP, where will I get the dollars as candidacy fees for the position of a chief?" Chief Mustafa questioned.