Former Unity State governor vows loyalty to President Kiir

May 22, 2024 (JUBA)- Former Unity State Governor, Joseph Monytuil Nguen has vowed to remain loyal to President Salva Kiir after he was sacked from his position.

The former governor was on Monday sacked by Kiir after 11 years at the helm.

But Monytuil, in a letter Sudan Tribune obtained, pledged to serve in any position.

He further said he would continue building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“I take this profound opportunity to congratulate H.E., Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan and Chairman of SPLM for the trust bestowed on me and for serving the people of Unity State for eleven years. Your Excellency, throughout my tenure as Governor of Unity State I had the privilege of enjoying your mentor and support that transpire to achieving the aspiration of our people in promoting peace, mitigating flood, reclaiming the road, and building peace in the State”, the letter reads in part.

The ex-governor lauded the people of Unity State for their endurance, resilience, and unwavering support to the South Sudanese leader during his tenure in office.

He praised Kiir for mentoring him during his reign, characterized by repressions, arbitrary detentions and killings of political and military dissidents in the area.

There were several reports on human rights violations committed during his tenure.

Civil rights advocates, security and military officers welcomed Monytuil’s sacking.

“You must have observed since yesterday [Monday] when the presidential orders were announced, the attitude shifted and nobody was talking about Joseph Nguen anymore. People were tired and fed off. They did not know what to do and were waiting for elections to make their choice. Monytuil was proving a big liability not only to SPLM but was diminishing the popularity of his excellency president Salva Kiir and painting a bad image to the country. The president knew this but wanted to do it his way and now he acted, removing him when everyone is quiet”, John Tap, a native of Unity state based in the United States, explained.

However, Peter Dak Gatduel, an ally of the former governor countered the charge, saying the former governor was implementing government policies.

He said Monytuil’s policies aligned with the ruling party’s (SPLM) mission and vision.

“Those who are talking are just talking.  Hon. Governor Joseph Monytuil was not operating outside legal and constitutional provisions. He was implementing the policies of the government aligning with the vision and mission of the SPLM and directives of his excellency the president of the republic”, stressed Dak.

The presidential decree did not, however, cite why the ex-governor was sacked.

(ST)