JUBA, South Sudan — Former Vice President for Economic Cluster James Wani Igga has warned Central Equatoria State’s newly appointed governor, Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, to remain cautious of internal power struggles within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, Wednesday.
Speaking at a ceremony welcoming Mujung, Wani claimed certain party members manipulate situations to remove officials they perceive as politically sidelined or financially unsupported, particularly during cabinet reshuffles.
“The only thing that will not allow the governor to stay longer in office is propaganda,” Wani said. “Issues will be created and all blamed on him, especially if some individuals are not appointed during reshuffles.”
Wani added that public institutions in Central Equatoria cannot meet the employment expectations of its highly educated population.
“It won’t be enough for a state like Central Equatoria to accommodate everyone. Even if the government took 3 percent of the population, it wouldn’t be sufficient,” he said.
Reflecting on his own removal from office, Wani alleged it was orchestrated by the same individuals lobbying persistently for government positions.
“If you’re denied financial support, don’t resort to lies,” he said. “This is how our leaders are replaced. That’s how I was removed, and the truth must be told.”
He emphasized that his career stemmed from his role in the liberation struggle, and he doubted that his political rivals could reach his level of service.
“I told them: if I am removed, none of you will take my place. I came into office from the bush, on my own merit,” he said.
Wani also urged Mujung to fight tribalism, criticizing the trend of governors favoring their own communities in appointments.
Meanwhile, Central Equatoria Cabinet Affairs Minister Lupai Satimon called for discipline within the SPLM, warning that the same supporters cheering the governor today might lead efforts to unseat him tomorrow.
“If we lack discipline within the party, we will start to undermine our own members,” Satimon said.
