January 21, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president Salva Kiir unexpectedly removed Lakes State governor Chol Tong Mayay of his post, putting his deputy Mabor Achol Kuer in charge until further arrangements are made, according to a decree broadcast on state-owned South Sudan Television (SSTV) on Monday. The decree did not cite any reason which necessitated the removal of the elected governor and no official statement from either the office of the president or office of the minister of information, who doubles as official government spokesperson, were able to offer comment. The president also issued other decrees removing more than 10 top military officers from active military service and onto a reserve list until further notice.