DEPUTY GOVERNOR EES: JEROME SURUR IS WOLF IN SHEEP’S SKIN.
BY PETER DRAGU DOLOSA.When MPs become Thugs: The Case of the Deputy Governor of Eastern Equatoria, Jerome Surur.
MPs are elected to spokesmen and women for their community. They become a voice to the voiceless. They address the concerns of their constituents.
But that is not the case with Jerome Surur, the Deputy Governor of Eastern Equatoria State. He has turned into a thug terrorizing his own constituents. The very people who have put him there and paying for his lavish lifestyle.
“This is not what I expected of my MP when I went to cast my ballot for Jerome,” confessed a terrified constituent, who we are unable to name for reasons of security. He is not ready to reveal his name. It has to be recalled that Jerome went unopposed, not because he was popular or loved.
The constituent wanted clarifications on the current situation in Nimule from the honourable member. The question was simple: When will those arrested be charged or released? Rather than answer the question, as an MP should, Jerome resorted to threats and intimidation.
He ordered the constituent never ever to communicate with him again on this matter.
Fair enough, had the honourable member stopped there. It is what follows next that is alarming.
Jerome passed the contact number of the constituent to some bogus guy he alleged to be his lawyer, without the constituent's permission.
That was when the harassment started. This fellow would phone at anytime, night or day, threatening the constituent. Yet he would not reveal who he is. He has refused to give his name, except that he is working on the orders of Jerome Surur.
Is this individual a lawyer? If he is, then his methods are unethical. Is he member of the security organ? If he is, is this the best way of using the nation's resources? Is this individual a thug? If he is, what image of the government is he portraying?
We asked this constituent why he wants to go public. “For four reasons, “he responded in between sobs.
“First, I fear for my life. I want the community to be aware, should something happen to me.”
“Secondly, could it be that Surur is being defensive because the questions I asked him were implicating him in the current deal of unlawful killing of the payam chief Ajugo?” he asked.
“Thirdly, because he is my MP. It is my constitutional responsibility to approach him on issues affecting me.”
“Finally, I want this harassment to stop. I want my life back. I cannot live in perpetual fear. Jerome has the power to stop all these.”
“I have not met this Surur guy before. I have no reason to spoil his good name. If you doubt me, here is the phone number of the person who has been harassing me. 00211954581286,” the constituent concluded.
We have not tried to phone this number because we are in Mugali, for fear that we will be traced and end up in the same hot soup as the Constituent.
For those of you who are outside the country, beyond the reach of Jerome Surur, you may wish to phone this number.
We debated a lot on whether to publish the claims of this constituent or not. The fear and the trauma that he is under have forced us to speak on his behalf, as he has no access to Internet and outside help. And he wants his story told, badly and urgently.
He has threatened to publish the text messages they have exchanged should Jerome Surur, deny what has been revealed here.
We have seen the text messages and are genuine. We will not release them, unless something tragic happens to this constituent.
Peter Dragu Dolosa
Juba South Sudan
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