Reshuffle in the National Assembly: A Punishment for MPs who Boycotted the Amendment Bill of 28 states
By Pal Chol, Juba, South Sudan
December 2, 2015 (SSB) — The Speaker reshuffled the Chairpersons and their deputies in a decree yesterday. This has been expected from the day the bill was amended. It was actually a dismissal per se but it is dubbed a reshuffle as a sugarcoat to mislead public attention.
The aim, for Christ sake, is to punish those who boycotted and walked out during the amendment bill of 28 states and the amendment of the article empowering the incumbent President to appoint Governors as his whims would dictate. In fact, this modality is always done at a snail’s pace to avoid any reaction and that was the reason why it took two weeks to happen.
For those who are dismissed or call it reshuffled, stay calm. The President is at work. You have registered a history for having defended the interest of your electorates. You fought a good fight against what does not serve the interest of South Sudanese and unprocedural management of the country’s affairs.
Conscientiously, you too bear some of the blame because it was you who solemnly stood up to chant SPLM hakuma bitana when you passed the same Constitution which has now bitten you but you stood your ground finally. Congratulations!!
Comrade Thomas Wani Kundu should not be so bitter and take the issue personal. Many MPs from Upper Nile and few from Bharelgazal boycotted it and have been dismissed. They have not said anything because there is nothing wrong with sacrifices.
The TCRSS has bestowed much powers on the President and the AU report mentioned it that the powers are concentrated in the hand of one man and is none other than the incumbent President.
Having excessive powers gave rise to the conflict according the report. In Africa, the Presidential decisions cannot be disputed and neither can they be challenged whatsoever. African leaders appoint only those who flatter and clap for him. To be a golden boy in the African system, you must help in building a personality cult for the President.
This behavior of sycophancy is alien to many people including the author. Most African leaders are callously known to be in conflict with those who challenge their opinions whom they brand usually as fifth columnists or political dissidents. This is how it is in many African countries bent on entrenching a tyrannical system of rule.
We are on the brink of getting there to say the least. Reshuffle is a normal routine in any organization if done with the best of intentions and as a matter of bureaucracy. The MPs represent their people at the grass-roots and not individuals who wield powers and rule with iron-fist to enrich themselves and cling onto it forever.
As we are aware, conflicts in African continent occur over the arguments of presidential term limits and constitutional amendments to prolong the lifespan of the sitting Presidents.
Where democracy is applicable with no fear of arbitrary arrest, dismissal or physical elimination. MPs can impeach the President based on the democratic Constitution. Here in Africa, it is an insubordination, disobedience and indiscipline. Many can term it a coup to warrant death sentence.
Our dismissed MPs have the confidence of the people who elected them and should walk with their heads up in pride. You are still elected members of the parliament. Continue with your normal duties. Dictators in some philosophical books are made by the people and it is the same people who can bring them down.
The agreement signed in Addis calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the government machineries and institutional reforms. Our President appended his signature on it and has shown commitment towards its implementation. What is in the agreement is geared towards setting up of a democratic institutions in non- police state unlike other African countries.
Let us join hands to build a prosperous and a stable South Sudan for posterity.
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