Members of Parliament in Northern Bahr al-Ghazal State are divided over the sacking of the former caretaker governor, Kuel Aguer Kuel.

Mr Kuel lost his position in a presidential decree issued last evening. His former deputy Salva Chol Ayat has been named the Caretaker Governor.

Mr Kuel’s sacking followed his impeachment by the state assembly over corruption allegations, which he has since denied.

The speaker of the state parliament, Isaac Makau, says Kuel’s replacement is a fulfillment of the constitution.

“We are happy and we appreciate the decision taken by the president and that was our hope because the president was elected by the people and the person impeached by the people is also the mandate and jurisdiction of the president to implement the will and the welfare of NBGS people,” Hon Makau told Eye Radio.

However, some members of the assembly have criticized Kuel’s removal. Joseph Rol Gau says Mr Kuel is a victim of a political dispute among senior politicians in Juba.

“Kuel was a very good governor in NBGS; he was working well, he was insisting to make many developmental things in the state,” argued Hon Rol.

“The communities of Aweil were hoping that this governor would do good things in the state, but unfortunately what happened [sacking] yesterday is something unhappy.”

A political commentator in the state, Angelo Atak Akol, says the president was responding to the need of the people.

Mr Kuel is the first governor to be removed from office after a vote of no confidence. He was relieved along with the Minister of Interior, Aleu Ayieny Aleu.