The governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut, has urged critics of his leadership to engage in constructive discussions rather than resorting to personal attacks.
His remarks follow growing calls from citizens urging President Salva Kiir to replace him, accusing him of governing with an iron fist marked by arbitrary arrests and suppression of dissent.
Among those raising concerns is Angelo Akuoc, a citizen who claims to have been arbitrarily arrested and detained in military barracks under Ober’s rule.
“The call is simple, and the top leadership should hear it. We want the governor removed because this is not the reason he was appointed by the president,” Akuoc said. “He was not appointed to arrest people. We have the right to express our opinions. When things are not going well, we should be able to speak up.”
Akuoc alleged that his detention at a military barracks was part of a coordinated effort between Governor Ober and the Division Commander, further intensifying concerns about the use of security forces to suppress opposition.
Another citizen, identifying himself only as Deng, expressed fear of reprisal, claiming the state government silences voices that attempt constructive criticism.
“Last time, he arrested Dut Kuot and a teacher who was complaining about salary cuts. As citizens and youth in the area, we see this is not how a state should be governed,” Deng said. “He is intimidating those who speak out about wrongdoing in the state.”
In response, Deputy Press Secretary Garang Makuei defended the governor, urging critics to adopt a more constructive approach when expressing grievances.
“Critics should find the right way to address their concerns. They should not just pour accusations without basis. If they believe the governor has failed in certain areas, they should specify them, that is constructive criticism,” Makuei said.
Makuei dismissed allegations of arbitrary arrests, describing them as politically motivated.
“This is false. Those claiming that the governor is arresting citizens are groups bribed by the former regime to fight the current government,” he asserted.
As tensions over governance persist, concerns about accountability, leadership transparency, and the treatment of critics continue to shape public discourse in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
