By Yiep Joseph
Leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Western Bhar el Ghazal (WBGS) has stated that the misunderstanding on the appointment of Emmanuel Primo as state governor has been resolved.
The conflict arose after President Salva Kiir replaced Governor Sarah Cleto with Emmanuel Primo, a decision that sparked objections from several SPLM/A-IO commanders, generating tension in the state.
In an exclusive interview, Valentino Akech, Deputy Chairperson of SPLM-IO in WBGS, confirmed that while some military generals initially opposed the governor’s appointment, the matter has now been settled.
“There was an attempt of rejection of the new governor, but not all the commanders of SPLM-IO but few of them who were behind this,” Akech said.
He clarified that there was a misunderstanding that resulted in gunshots on Sunday night, just before the governor took office on Monday.
Akech stated that a group of military commanders had nominated some of their colleagues for the governorship position, declaring that it was their time to rule.
“What happened is not much to make people panic, it is not all SPLM-IO who made this one, but some two persons who made this to make the whole state panic,” he said.
“The random shooting that happened on Sunday night was not by the whole SPLM-IO military but it was some individuals,” he added.
Akech said that SPLM-IO military commanders demanded a military person to take over the governorship position.
“The military Commanders proposed to Chairman(Dr. Riek Machar) that it is the time for the military commander to take over the position of the governor in WBGS,” he said.
Akech added that the SPLM-IO party and the military commanders at the state level have agreed to work in Unity and support the governor.
“As the SPLM-IO party in general we welcome the appointment and are ready to work together toward service delivery,” he said.
The deputy Chairperson expressed that the leadership of the SPLM-IO has settled the misunderstanding, welcomed the governor and is ready to engage in development.
“All in all, the situation has returned to normal there is no problem even those who made that mistake are there ready to cooperate with the current governor,” he said.
He revealed that after a series of dialogues, the commanders were ready to cooperate with the governor and state leadership.
“The whole Citizens of Western Bharl el Ghazal are ready to cooperate with him (Governor) including the two divisions of SPLM-IO Division Six A, in Wau and Division B in Raja” he said.
“Even during the reception of the governor, the high-ranking commanders of the SPLM/A -IO receive him at the airport which means the leadership of the SPLM/A-IO are ready to cooperate with the current governor,” he added.
Meanwhile, on Friday, November 29, 2024, former governor Sarah Cleto paid a courtesy visit to her successor, Governor Emmanuel Primo Ukello.
In a statement, Cleto stated that the purpose of the visit was to share valuable experiences from her tenure.
“I’m confident that Governor Emmanuel will excel in his new role, and I wished him all the best in his future endeavors. I’m committed to ensuring a seamless transition and supporting him in any way I can,” she said in a Facebook post.
She said the courtesy call was not just a gesture of respect; it was also an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and continue efforts to improve the state.