On 25 December 2024, shortly after the sudden death of late national parliamentarian Mathew Mathiang Deang, I got worried to the point that I requested an inquest or investigation. Although the state administration went mute on the request, I felt it was the right thing to do at the time.
I recall that Mathiang’s demise came not just suddenly but after he wrote and signed a controversial petition in which he demanded, with other legislators, that Gabriel Gatkuoth Tekjiek Kulang be appointed the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC) vice president. The move was, however, turned down by both Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and incumbent Unity State Governor Justice Riek Bim Top.
The governor and the minister preferred one Gatkuoth Kun Dar, who was allegedly arrested and put behind bars at Blue House of National Security for unknown reasons. I equally want Gatkuoth Kun Dar released immediately.
A day before the last Christmas, the governor allegedly invited Late Mathew Mathiang to the Unity State capital, Bentiu, where the former was reported to have died of cholera.
Tuol Nyakang aka Dundiit Jagei
About two days ago, John Gatpan Chuol, popularly known as Tuol Nyakang, a popular comedian in Unity State, was reported to have died from bee stings on 18th October 2025. Tuol’s untimely passing came soon after he made a social media post in which he warned of dire consequences should the suspended and detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar die in house arrest. In addition, he described Juba City as not like Dor Nyuong in terms of distance.
Judicially speaking, when an individual, and especially a famous personality, dies unexpectedly without an underlying sickness, it raises serious doubts which are often cleared by way of conducting an inquest or investigation. More often than not, a public inquest is done to ascertain whether or not there was foul play.
Finally, the fact that the Government of Unity State did not write a condolence message following his demise increases the demand for an immediate inquest and or investigation so the general public can know what exactly killed the celebrated comedian Tuol Nyakang, alias Dundit Jagei, as he was often referred to by his fans across the Nuer community.
Honor our heroes
In conclusion, the governor of Unity State should honor these fallen heroes in the following ways: the Late National Member of Parliament Reverend Mathew Mathiang Deang should be honored and remembered by implementing his last political wishes.
Gabriel Gatkuoth Tekjiek
It is on record that Mathew’s last wish was for Gabriel Gatkuoth Tekjiek Kulang to be appointed as vice president of SPOC. This wish and will must be implemented before the year ends.
More importantly, Gatkuoth was appointed through a consensus document signed by several Unity State national legislators, many of whom are alive and well. Interestingly, I have no doubt whatsoever that Gatkuoth Tekjiek is qualified for the post of SPOC vice president. Moreso, he is a youthful professional with unquestionable integrity. The zealous youth of Unity State have more to gain when Gatkuoth is appointed. He is a man worth testing and trying for such a position at this point.
In addition, he comes from Bentiu South, where the position of SPOC vice President ought to have been allocated in line with existing state policy guiding oil companies, namely the Greater Pioneer operating company (SPOC) and Sudd operating company (SPOC). Gatkuoth is fit for this position by virtue of experience and exposure, not forgetting the regional balance, which is a necessity in this case.
No excuse
If the governor invited Mathew in good faith, then he should not hesitate to implement the late’s political wishes. As of now, the governor has no excuse to make on implementing his wishes because the late Mathew was in parliament on the SPLM-IG ticket. This means they both came from the same party. The same applied to Gabriel Gatkuoth. The Late Mathew died in our Governor’s hand, and thus he should be lenient by acting accordingly. Nonetheless, if Governor Justice Riek Bim fails to afford Gatkuoth the chance to be SPOC vice president, the new governor will appoint him in line with the wishes of Hon. Mathew.
In addition, the governor must honor the late Mathiang by giving job opportunities to qualified Unity State residents regardless of the counties they come from. Going forward, there should be an end to corruption, carelessness, and nepotism, which have characterized the current governor’s administration.
Liech Cultural Center
Lastly, the late Tuol Nyakang should be given a dignified send-off. Apart from him being given an honorable farewell, the state leadership should pledge be build a Liech or Bentiu cultural center in Koch County to nurture and support emerging artists and comedians. In these difficult times, Dundiit Jagei gave us smiles through his humor and funny stories. We shall dearly miss him. His death robbed us of our great entertainer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
The writer is a lawyer and a criminologist by profession. He was a former delegate to the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan, alias Tumaini Peace Initiative, where he represented SSPM as its national chairperson for legal and constitutional affairs. He can be reached for comments via eligodakb@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.