J1 to Council of States: Keep off Monytuil, defense and security matters

The Office of the President has reprimanded the Council of States for what it describe as absorbing powers meant for the President during their vote against Governor Joseph Monytuil.

On Monday, the House passed a resolution withdrawing its confidence in the leadership of Monytuil due to rampant insecurity in Leer, Mayom and the subsequent public execution of suspects.

The Governor had appeared before the legislators to explain conditions leading to the killing of Mayom County Commissioner, the attack on SSPDF convoys and the arbitrary extrajudicial killing of four young men accused of killing the commissioner in August.

The legislators said they were not satisfied with Monytuil’s response and opted to pass a vote of no confidence in him. They then wrote a letter to the President asking for the sacking of Monytuil.

However, in a response, the Office of the President said the Council of States acting outside its powers and jurisdiction.

In a statement seen by The Radio Community, President Salva Kiir’s office said the legislators selectively read the constitution to absorb powers dedicated to the President.

“As much as the Council of States under Article 59(c) of the constitution has an oversight role over the State Government, Article 49 (1) (c)(i) of the constitution equally reiterates that; government organs at all levels shall perform their functions and exercise their powers so as not to encroach on or assume the powers or functions conferred upon any other level,” said the statement signed by Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Defense and national Security matters are the exclusive executive powers of the National Government, but not the State’s Government.”

In the three-page statement, Kiir’s office said it was still waiting for the outcome of the investigation committee formed following attacks in Leer and Mayom mid this year.

“The President of the Republic recognizes the efforts exerted by the Council of States and he is committed to ensure that the security situation in Unity State is normalized and justice prevails as he waits for a comprehensive report and recommendations from the ongoing investigation by the security organs of the Country.”

The Council of State had recommended the dismissal of Governor Joseph Monytuil, who is the head of security in Unity state so that he can be investigated and charge with possible criminal offence.

The statement from J1 promised to punish anyone found to perpetrate violence in Unity state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, H.E the President does not tolerate any acts of impunity including human rights abuses and destruction of property, and he is working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book.”