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Mr. Simon Kun Pouch Mr. Simon Kun Pouch was elected through corruption as SPLM candidate for Upper Nile State for governorship. He had won the elections through inflated figures in Longochuk and Maban Counties. When he became governor he put on military of Brigadier-General and Major-General at the same time and heading his own Para-military group that he uses to subdue citizens from other tribes who are not Nuer.

Mr. Simon Kun Pouch has become a disgrace to SPLM and especially its Secretary-General who was behind his nomination. He is a tribalist, dealing only with Nuer tribe. He is totally against Shilluk and he has pension off many of them without following public service regulation.

During the term in office of Simon Kun these things are happening;

Corruption:

Simon Kun is the most corrupt governor in the history of Upper Nile State or even in South Sudan. He was caught on a flight to Nasir trying to smuggle money to Ethiopia. He is using public funds like his own private money. He gives loan on his own relatives. Government funds are being dash out to individuals as loans.

Money for construction of roads inside Malakal Town has been squandered. Some companies have been paid only 15% of the total cost and the rest of money disappeared. The State government is planning to cut salaries of employees to meet the deficient. Some of the companies like KANO and Japanese Company never appeared in Malakal during the political launching of the roads construction exercise.

During his four-day visit to Maban recently, the governor withdrew from government treasury the sum of 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds has trip cost. The governor is said to be building a house in Australia.

Lump sum of money from government treasure is disappearing in the hands of Nuer individuals

Appointments:

His cabinet is composed only of young Nuer youth who knows nothing apart from womanizing, alcohol and corruption. Most of them did not any kind of formal education apart from they learned in Ethiopian Refugee camps. He has abused the civilian service by appointing unqualified Nuer to position which have not otherwise been approved by Ministry of Public Service. He appointed the Mayor of Malakal town a Nuer with intension of abolishing Makal County. Many of the Nuers employed are even from other states like Jonglei and Unity. Many people have been left in the government in favor of Nuer from other states.

Some of the appointed Ministers, since they did not dream to become ministers one day, were drinking water from fish pond to cool down their hang-over from previous drinking of alcohol. One minister was dismissed because he was doing business in Ethiopia with government money.

Political Collusion:

With SPLM, there seems to be collusion between Nuer and Dinka against Shilluk, but this an internal issue between them and how they can sort it out. The Dinka are still interested in their claim over Malakal Town and Nuer are supporting them from behind.

Conflict

The governor is encouraging conflict among Upper Nile tribes. He branded Shilluk are either SPLM-DC members or NCP members. The Shilluk have become the most unwanted people in the state.

The Nuers are the strongest group politically and militarily because they both SPLA and militia. The governor incorporated former Nuer JIUs into his Para-military group. Upper Nile State is under his iron fist and many Shilluk have disappeared due to his orders.

The in carnage being inflicted on Shilluk civilians is a plan by SPLM with the support of the governor. They want to weaken the Shilluk community to the extend their land will be occupy by both Nuer and Dinka without resistance like in Obel and Canal area of Adhidhang (Pig) and Kal Dak, Atar, Door, Diel and Lul Nyirial.

Now who will save Upper Nile State from Simon Kun Pouch? Both Legislatives Assembles in Malakal and Juba are quiet about what Simon Kun is doing. Should Simon Kun be left to stay in power for long, then will be no development. He is promoting tribalism by appointing unqualified tribe-men into high position

Yorwin Otor can be contacted at   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.