Lawmakers in South Sudan’s Bieh State assembly on Wednesday impeached the speaker over alleged absenteeism and misconduct.

The assembly’s deputy speaker, David James Guet told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that 16 of the 21 lawmakers impeached the speaker for absenteeism and misconduct.

 “The lawmakers impeached the speaker. And the reason is that Hon. Isaac Kuach left his position vacant for over six months, gave some lawmakers studies leave, and he is with political groups in Juba opposing the government,” Guet explained.

 He said MPs acted in line with parliament’s conduct of business regulations.

 For his part, however, Kuach described the impeachment process by MPs as non-procedural and politically-motivated.

 “A motion cannot be raised in one day and impeachment done the same day without my consent. This is unlawful. This chaos was created by the state governor because of our disagreements over a car. All charges are not correct,” he said. 

Kuac added that he had gone to Juba to seek medical attention.

The embattled speaker also pointed out that the state lawmakers were intimidated to impeach him, a claim rejected by some legislators.

“So, I am still the speaker and the government should apologize for accusing me of defection,” the stressed.