SPLM-IO chief negotiator is saying the appointment of 28 governors will not affect implementation of the peace agreement.

President Salva Kiir named the governors last week; and they were sworn-in by chief justice Chan Reec this morning.

“We have discussed this with the secretariat here, and they have taken note of it. And the SPLM as a party will discuss it once we come to process of making the incorporation of the agreement into constitution,” Taban Deng Gai told the media in Juba on Monday.

However, Gai’s statement contradicts the position of leader of the opposition, Dr. Riek Machar.

Last week, Dr Machar condemned the appointment of the governors, saying it violated the August peace deal.

“We are shocked by this act,” said Dr Machar in a statement.

“The government acted unilaterally, totally disregarding the agreement and its implementation institutions. This raised serious concerns about the the commitment of GRSS to the agreement.”

He urged President Kiir to reverse the decision.

The Political Parties Alliance led by Dr Lam Akol has also added voice to the call to revoke appointment of the 28 governors.