PROTEST LETTER TO GOVERNOR OF EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE
H.E Luois Lobong Lojore
Governor, Eastern Equatoria State, Torit
10th November 2013
Dear Governor,
I write to protest your provocative and intimidating phone call to me on 10th November, 2013 at 11:00 O’clock. I was rather dismayed to hear your intimidating and threatening language to me. Apart from the intimidating and threatening manner of your phone call, you also labelled unfounded and unsubstantiated accusations against me.
You alleged that the demonstration which was reportedly going to take place in the town of Torit by the people of Nyong Payam, on Monday 11th, November 2013 was being directed and managed by me and other politicians in Juba. You further threatened that if anything in that demonstration went out of hand, I and others in Juba shall be held responsible.
Before switching off the phone, you threatened that from now onwards you will deal ruthlessly with politicians in Juba in order to stamp out threats and campaigns aimed at overthrowing your government.
Let me inform you that what you are alleging against me has no basis. As an MP representing SPLM, I am fully aware that you were elected by the people of Eastern Equatoria and given the mandate to lead them. There is therefore nothing that can make me or any other politician in Juba to instigate people against your government.
It is unfortunate that you are trying to blame your difficulties in the State on me and other politicians in Juba, rather than focusing your efforts on finding solutions to the many problems facing your administration. Instead of engaging in blame game, threats and intimidation it would have been appropriate for you as Governor to work with all EES MPs in Juba with a view to addressing the issues in the State.
As a representative of the State in the National Legislative Assembly, I will continue to assist the state administration in addressing any political, administrative or security problems whenever I can be of help. As you know, I have been one of the MPs who have on several occasions intervened in addressing security problems in Torit County. On many occasions, while on the ground to reconcile communities, I had even gone through bullet lines- to the extent of risking my live as an MP.
You seem not to be happy seeing the MPs and politicians from the National Government visiting the state and interacting with their constituents.
I take what you say to me over the phone very seriously, since this clearly amounts to a threat to my personal security and life. You have abused your position to harass and intimidate me in my capacity as the MP of the area. There is no doubt that you can even employ the state machinery to threaten my life and I take your words very seriously. Therefore, if anything happens to any politicians or me in Juba or at State level, then you may be held responsible.
Given the serious nature of your threat, I have decided to copy this letter to the Speaker of National Legislative Assembly, National Security and other relevant channels in order to express and redress this threat.
I believe that people like you who are in position of authority, should not be allowed to abuse their powers to threaten and intimidate others with impunity.
Tulio Odongi Ayahu (MP)
National Legislative Assembly
SPLM Party List Eastern Equatoria State
Cc: – Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly
Minister of National Security
Minister of of Interior
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