The speaker of Lakes State Assembly, Baipath Majuec, has rejected a resolution of the SPLM caucus MPs, calling for him to resign.

The SPLM members in the assembly met in Rumbek for two days to decide on the fate of the speaker, who is accused of poor management. Mr Baipath denies the charge and says he will remain in office.

“This thing is illegal, and I am not resigning for the following reasons; I certainly reject the opinion of my resignation because when we were in the caucus meeting, the MPs who stood in my favor were 14,” Mr Baipath told Eye Radio.

“And those who stood against me were eleven. So I am asking now, where did the Chairman of the party get the idea by going with the minority and leave the majority opinion.”

The MPs say Mr Baipath has allowed other members to continue receiving their salaries without coming to work.

They say the speaker in turn protect them by claiming that the MPs have taken permission to go on leave.