Friday June 16, 2023
Kismayo (HOL) - Osman Haji Noor, the newly-appointed Deputy Chairman for the Gedo region's administration, has strongly refuted a claim from Puntland President Saeed Abdullahi Deni, who suggested that the Gedo region should accept an administration that might not have public support.
Noor believes Deni's comments are a tactic to win the favour of Gedo's citizens, especially in the face of opposition to Deni's policies from both the federal and Jubbaland regional governments.
"No cause for alarm exists among Gedo's residents," Noor stated. He explained that as the primary leaders, the President and Vice President of the Jubbaland state government ensure stability within the Gedo region. "Gedo's inhabitants won't have to endure anything undesirable under the protection of the Jubbaland state government," Noor added.
Noor also suggested that former office-holders in Jubbaland are inciting unrest, while current officials like himself actively represent the Jubbaland administration.
Noor's remarks come after a disruption last week when a plane carrying the newly appointed Governor of Gedo and other regional officials recently appointed by the President of Jubaland State, Ahmed Madobe, was turned away in Garbaharey City. The plane was reportedly denied due to a decision by the regional officials currently governing the town in Gedo, who refused to accept the Jubaland appointees. The officials argued that the representatives from Jubaland lack the legitimacy to govern in regional cities, particularly given the ongoing dispute with the federal government.