Prof. John Akec, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Juba - Photo Credit: Office of the President, August 22, 2022

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba has expressed what he says his deepest regret about how a genuine exchange with Governor Monytuil had gone out of control and led to misunderstanding and unproductive debate among our citizens.

“I want to put the record straight that it is clear that both Governor Joseph Monytuil and I are committed to serving our citizens in our different capacities and roles,

“I also want to let it be known that I have no hard feelings against the people of Unity State nor against Governor Joseph Monytuil,’ he said on his Facebook page on 9/09/2023.

According to Prof. John Akech, his “was disagreement with him [Monytuil] and others on finding a more sustainable solution to problems of flooding.”

The National Economic Conference was disrupted on Friday after the Unity State Governor and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba differed over the ongoing clearing of the Nile River.

In a video circulated on social media, Professor John Akech criticized what he called the ongoing dredging in Unity State.

Professor Akech asked whether the project was for flood defense, whether people knew the consequences, and if the government of Unity State knew anything about it.

“This area is for all people, millions of people depend on it. Governor Montyui knows that the idea of River Naam is key to this. What is it for, flood defense, does he know what will be the consequences, does the government know anything about it?

In response, Governor Monytuil said: “If clearance is going to save the lives of our people, so let it be, why not,

“What is happening is not dredging, and there is an unnecessary sensitivity that we have been seeing. We all love this country.”

Governor Montyuil expressed the determination that the clearing to the Nile would proceed.

Professor Akech now says “I want this matter be put to rest and that we should all put our hands together and focus our energies to solve the economic challenges facing our country for which the conference was organized by our government to address.