Ex-Chamber 1st Deputy Chair Rejects New Role in Leadership Reshuffle

By Simon Deng

The former First Deputy Chairperson of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, John Lual Akol, has rejected the new roles assigned to him in a leadership reshuffle by the Chairperson.

“I was on a mission to Dubai and Nairobi when I was informed that my chairman had issued a decree relieving me of my position and appointing another first deputy chairperson. I have not been served with any official paperwork, and there has been no meeting of the general assembly, so I dismiss it,” Akol told The Dawn in an interview.

Akol revealed that the decrees are issued by the president of the republic and added that business organisations, including the National Chamber of Commerce, should change their leadership through general elections.

He also mentioned that his differences with the chairperson stem from his insistence that the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture be audited by an accredited auditing firm, which the chairperson has rejected.

“We are waiting for our time to hold elections. If the time for the elections does not come, then there is no way to relieve someone or to fire someone. If it is an organisation, as we are following, we have to adhere to the constitution,” he said.

“One of the misunderstandings is regarding the direction of the chamber of commerce. Initially, I was insisting that he audit the chamber of commerce and call for a general assembly; we need to audit the organisation,” he explained.

John Lual Akol, who has served as the first deputy chairperson for the last two years, holds a degree in business administration from Comboni College in Khartoum, Sudan, and is also the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Group.

Losidik Lukak Legge, the chairperson of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, stated that the constitution grants him the right to appoint and dismiss members of the executive committee.

“The constitution of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture gives the chairperson the rights to appoint and dismiss members of the executive. If you look at the constitution, Articles 31 and 57 grant me the power to remove and appoint executive members,” Legge said.

Legge clarified that the reshuffle involved only a shift in roles within the leadership structure, adding that the first deputy chairperson has been reassigned as the regional advisor while continuing his role as chairperson of the East Africa Business Council.

“I came to the leadership of the chamber of commerce through election. Benjamin Bol Mel was the chairperson, I was the first deputy chairperson, and Simon Akuei was the secretary general. I have not removed him; I have assigned him as an advisor for regional affairs,” he stated.

Last week, the chairperson of the South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Losidik Lukak Legge, issued an administrative order removing his first deputy chairperson, John Lual, and appointing him as senior advisor on regional and international trade.

Salwa Bakuony Monytuil was promoted from her position as second deputy chairperson to first deputy chairperson, replacing John Lual Akol, and Wieu Wieu Mou was appointed as the second deputy chairperson.