Lawmakers in Bentiu ask Kiir to remove Akec over Naam River controversy

BENTIU, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The transitional parliament in Unity State has asked President Salva Kiir Mayardit to remove the vice-chancellor of the University of Juba, Professor John Akec, after a public exchange with Governor Joseph Nguen Manytuil.

Last week, Professor Akec and Governor Manytuil clashed during one of the sessions of the economic conference being held in Juba. Manytuil accused Akec of describing the people of Unity State as “animals”. The vice chancellor denied the claim.

Akec had asked the governor if the government had carried out an environmental impact assessment before the ongoing clearing of the river was started. The governor responded furiously, telling Akec that “Unity State is better than you” and “we will do it (the dredging)”.

In a statement, the Unity State parliament claimed that Professor Akec had referred to its citizens as “animals” and had sparked tribal debates by referring to the people of Unity State as “Gatluaks”. Gatluak is a popular name among the Nuer community.

The statement called on President Kiir to remove Akec because he is a tribal figure who does not qualify to be vice-chancellor of a public university.

“Professor John Akech, based on his controversial statements, proves to be a tribal figure and does not deserve to be vice-chancellor of a national institution like Juba University,” the statement, which was extended to Sudans Post, reads in part.

“The people of Unity State are requesting H.E General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of the Republic of South Sudan, to remove Professor John Akech from his current position as vice-chancellor of Juba University,” the statement added.

It further said that Akec “must be held accountable for his misbehavior during the National Economic Conference, where he attacked the Governor of Unity State, H.E Lieutenant General Dr. Joseph Manytuil Wejang, in front of global, regional, and national river experts.”