By Jacob Onuha Nelson
A lawmaker at National Assembly, has dismissed social media claims that members of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in opposition (SPLM – IO) in Juba, are living in fears of arrest.
Deng Nyiwel Dhieu, a member of Transition National Legislative Assembly, on SPLM-IO ticket, representing Aweil Town of Northern Bhar El Ghazal, diffuses claims of threats.
“I want to assure our members that there is no security threat to our members in Juba, as people claim,” Deng said in a statement to this outlet.
Reiteration President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s promise of not returning the country to war, the legislator urges members of the main opposition party to continue exercising their constitutional rights.
“We all heard very clear and loud from the president of the Republic that he will not take this country back to war again. Do your constitutional mandate and parties’ activities,” he stressed.
MP Deng noted positive working relationship between members of opposition parties and the president in the pursuit of peace in the country.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit is working together with us to bring lasting peace in our country because we can’t afford another war in this economic crisis,” he added.
However, for relative peace to prevail in the country, the legislator implores president Kiir to reconsider releasing SPLM-IO leader, Dr. Riek Machar, who is under house arrest.
“We still ask and request H.E president Salva Kiir Mayardit to release our chairman, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, unconditional for peace to prevail,” he added.
Meanwhile, on another political dimension, the legislator refutes report that SPLM-IO members have embraced an interim leadership of the party recently formed under Stephen Par Kuol.
Deng denied legitimacy of the press statement issued by SPLM-IO chairperson in Norther Bahar El Ghazal state, Daniel Akot Akot, saying it was one man’s idea.
According to MP. Deng, majority members of the party rejected in uproar in a meeting, the decision of electing Stephen Par Kuol to replace the party leader, Dr. Riek Machar.
“This is not only baseless but it is fueling the international effort toward the request of release Dr Riek Machar in house arrest,” MP. Deng emphasized.
He said the plot to replace Dr. Machar with Par, also it is undermining the peace agreement that was signed in 2018.
“As a member on the ticket of SPLM – IO, I categorically dismiss the press statement issued by the chairperson, as his own of view but not represent us all” Deng said.
No. 1 Citizen Newspaper could not independently verify the assertions of the member of the National Legislative Assembly, as efforts to reach other members of the opposition party in Northern Bahr Ghazel state, hit snag.