(L-R) Mr. Onyoti Adigo Nyikwech and Mr. Sisto Olur Erista reading a statement to the media [©Gurtong/ Misuk Moses]
By Misuk Moses Mule
JUBA, 2nd May 2012 [Gurtong]
The party’s acting general secretary, leader of the minority in the parliament and the opposition Chief Whip Mr. Sisto Olur Erista said yesterday morning in a press conference organized at their office.
This comes after an alleged statement by President Salva Kiir last Sunday while addressing a congregation at St. Teresa Catholic Church Cathedral where he allegedly accused the SPLM-DC of being responsible for the recent attack on SPLA base in Malakal, Upper Nile State.
“This is a very unfortunate development as it does at a time when all of us are busy supporting our gallant forces,” Mr. Olur said.
He further said that it was wrong for what he termed as “libellous allegation” to be labelled against their party in a pulpit. They added that since the birth of their party in June 2009, such allegations have been labelled against them something which they strongly denied.
The SPLM-DC has accused few senior members from the SPLM, the ruling party of working hard to de-register their party by labelling accusations against them. According to the political parties act, it bars political parties from having a military wing such as militia groups.
Meanwhile the leader of the minority in the parliament Mr. Onyoti Adigo Nyikwech said that some people have grudges with individuals in their party and that their party is above individuals. He further called on these individuals to sort their problems other than dragging the party.
The party denied having armed groups and condemns the use of arms for political ends.
Adigo said that there is no way that his party can have armed forces since they took an initiative of mobilizing South Sudanese to stand behind the president during the Heglig crisis. He added that they have requested and are waiting to book an appointment with the president so that they can give a cheque to support the SPLA activities.
The SPLM-DC also observed the enormous challenges facing South Sudan which needs unity at this time and called on all the parties to remain united. They also urged the ruling party to involve the other parties in trying to solve some of the issues facing the country now.