Kiir reportedly plans to give Upper Nile state secretary gubernatorial powers if Machar delay replacement of Olony

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is planning to give Upper Nile state secretary powers similar to that of governors in the case the SPLM-IO fails to replace General Johnson Olony as its Upper Nile state gubernatorial nominee, a source in Juba said.

Currently, Kiir and Machar are on a deadlock over General Olony who had been nominated by the main armed opposition group into governorship of Upper Nile state.

Machar nominated Olony in late June after the state was allocated to the SPLM-IO along with Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria states.

Kiir however refused to appoint Olony saying he is a warmonger who would complicate reconciliatory efforts in the state that houses bitter communities.

This week, several social media users have claimed that Kiir has accepted to appoint Olony.

However, speaking to Sudans Post this morning, a senior government official at the presidency denied that Kiir has consented, but instead said he is planning to give powers of governor to the current Upper Nile state secretary who is acting since Kiir reverted the country to ten states.

“The reports that are going on social media that the president has accepted Olony are not true. Olony is not going to be accepted and appointed,” the official said.

“What is going to happen is that the President has given Dr. Riek Machar a time to decide on who will replace Olony otherwise the state secretary will stay with powers of a governor,” the official added.

Sudans Post could not reach SPLM-IO officials for comments.