Viral Claims Ignite Online Storm
Social media lit up this week with photos and voice notes alleging a secret delivery of cement and cash to Bar-Mayen, hometown of Northern Bahr El Ghazal Governor Simon Ober Mawut. Screenshots spread fast across Facebook and WhatsApp groups.
The posts claimed a truck laden with construction material and bags stuffed with dollars arrived in the village after dark last Thursday, escorted by security forces loyal to the governor.
Government Issues Firm Rebuttal
Acting Information Minister Bol Akuar Gamar branded the allegations ‘false, malicious, and politically motivated’ during a Thursday press briefing in Aweil.
He insisted the governor, currently in Juba, lacks direct access to state funds and never instructed anyone to move building materials or money to his village.
Cybercrime Law Looms Large
Akuar warned that the newly enacted cybercrime law empowers authorities to track authors of disinformation and demand public apologies or legal redress.
He urged citizens to ‘be mindful of their writings’, adding that investigators are already identifying administrators of pages that sparked the rumour.
Political Underpinnings Suspected
Officials noted the rumours surfaced days after the governor’s office asked the former revenue commissioner to clarify alleged unpaid debts, a request viewed as politically sensitive.
Observers in Aweil suggest the backlash may aim to erode confidence in newly appointed cabinet members whose names are still under wraps.
Calls for Responsible Journalism
State spokespeople appealed to youth and content creators to verify information before posting, stressing that reckless rumours risk inflaming community tensions.
Local radio journalists echoed the call, reminding audiences that accountability cuts both ways: leaders must communicate transparently, while the public must question with evidence.