A group of senior SPLM officials, including Deputy Chairperson Tuong Majok, recently submitted a petition to President Salva Kiir, who also serves as SPLM’s national chairman, accusing Governor Kok of sidelining party structures, neglecting state priorities, and failing to provide effective governance.
The petitioners allege that the governor’s prolonged absence from Bor, the state capital, over the past three months worsened the situation, leaving critical political and administrative matters unattended.
In what insiders describe as a retaliatory move, Governor Gai reportedly returned to Bor this week and began a shake-up targeting officials suspected of supporting the petition.
Speaking to Sudans Post on Tuesday, Deputy Chairperson Tuong Majok confirmed fears that he is among those being targeted for removal.
“The looming removal from my position is something real. When you raise issues about the rights of others in the party, you risk becoming a target,” Majok said.
“Since his appointment, the governor has closed off access to many of us, including myself as deputy chairperson. I am no longer able to work with him.”
Majok accused Mr Gai of undermining the SPLM’s image in the state, warning that silencing internal critics could damage the party’s credibility.
“I will never keep quiet when things are not going well. The state assembly is not functioning, and I felt obliged to raise concerns with the national leadership,” he said. “That should not be seen as a crime. If we don’t caution ourselves, who will?”
He further alleged that efforts to remove him are meant to intimidate others. “By relieving me, the governor is sending a message to scare me and other members. But it is in my nature—when I am pushed out of the system, I will continue to oppose,” Majok declared.
Neither Gai nor his office has publicly responded to the allegations or the petition. Attempts to reach the governor’s office for comment were unsuccessful.
The unfolding dispute adds to growing tensions within the ruling party at the state level, raising concerns about stability in Jonglei ahead of the country’s fragile political transition.
