“Board has no power to suspend me” — SSBC MD John Madol denies removal reports

The Managing Director of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), John Madol Panther, has dismissed reports of his suspension, stating that the public broadcaster’s Board of Directors lacks the legal authority to remove him from his post.

Speaking exclusively to Eye Radio on Thursday, September 3, Panther refuted the claims after a source within the SSBC Board of Directors disclosed the alleged suspension to Eye Radio on Thursday.

Panther confirmed he remains in his office actively performing his official duties, noting he has received no formal letter or communication regarding a suspension.

He described the reported suspension as untrue, clarifying that he has not received any official communication or letter of suspension from the SSBC Board of Directors.

“The information is not true, and the Board of Directors has no power to suspend the MD,” Panther told Eye Radio. “Their role is to recommend, according to Section 17.2 of the SSBC Broadcasting Act. In case of any violation, what they can do is make a recommendation to the Minister. So, I am not suspended. I am in my office executing my duties up to now.”

Panther’s clarification follows reports from sources familiar with the matter indicating that the SSBC Board of Directors had resolved to suspend him.

Rejecting the claims, Panther maintained that the Board lacks the legal authority to suspend a Managing Director directly. He explained that under Section 17.2 of the SSBC Broadcasting Act, the Board’s powers are strictly limited to submitting recommendations to the Minister of Information regarding alleged administrative or policy violations.

In a separate statement, the SSBC Management supported Panther’s position, describing the reported suspension as false and unsubstantiated.

The public broadcaster urged citizens to disregard the reports and rely solely on verified updates issued through official management channels.