The former governor of South Sudan’s Jonglei State, Philip Aguer Panyang has described his sacking as a “routine process.”

President Salva Kiir sacked Aguer in a presidential decree, which the state-owned television (SSBC) announced on Wednesday last week.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, the former governor welcomed his removal, saying he had enough time to serve the people of Jonglei. 

“I am happy with my relieve. It is something normal. I welcome the new governor and I wish him success in his leadership. And I am thankful to the people of Jonglei State for cooperating with me for three and a half years,” said Aguer.

The former governor, however, accused some politicians he did not name from his community for allegedly lobbying for his removal.

“I was appointed in 2015 after community recommendation. But since I was appointed, a group of politicians in Juba was not happy. They have been lobbying for my sacking for the last three years. But I am thankful that the president did not listen to them throughout those years. So now I think my sacking is just a routine process because the president has powers to appoint and relieve,” he explained.

Aguer, a former military spokesperson, cited improvement in security and in relations among the Greater Jonglei State communities as some of the achievements made since he was appointed in 2015.

“Relations were tense among communities in the region. But now, we have restored trust and unity among the Murle, Gawar Nuer, Lou Nuer and Dinka through dialogues. Now, trading is ongoing in Anyidi area. There is freedom among communities even in rebel-held areas,” said the former governor.

He added, “At home, we opened roads and water channels. And we were constructing state secretariat since the current ones were built during the colonial rule. We also renovated the guest house at 15,000,000 SSP and we were waiting for the president to launch it”.

Aguer was appointed governor of Jonglei State in December 2015.