Oyam debate blocked: Aspirants accuse chairman Dilla of suppression

24 July 2025, 12:18 am

By Our Reporter

A highly anticipated LC5 aspirants’ debate organised by the Oyam Media Association in partnership with Shine FM Oyam was unexpectedly halted yesterday at Rainbow Hotel under controversial circumstances. The debate, widely publicised across media platforms for over a week, was stopped just minutes before it was due to start by Oyam District Registrar, Jacklyn Adong.

Several candidates, including Patrick Ogwal Ojok and Emmanuel Oyite, expressed outrage over the disruption, accusing incumbent LC5 Chairman Dilla Benson of orchestrating the sabotage.

During a press briefing, Ogwal Ojok condemned the move as a blatant abuse against the media organisation and an infringement of aspirants’ rights to freely present their plans to the public. He noted that this was the first debate of its kind since the establishment of Oyam District.

“I arrived at Rainbow Hotel to find a large crowd of civil servants and locals eager to hear our ideas. Minutes later, the debate was halted without a valid explanation. This is not just disrespectful—it’s a deliberate attack on transparency,” Ogwal said.

He accused Chairman Benson of fearing public scrutiny and manipulating local authorities to suppress the media, claiming that the Registrar’s inability to communicate effectively due to a language barrier contributed to the cancellation. Ogwal called on the people of Oyam to reject leadership that uses authority to silence voices and serve only personal interests.

Emmanuel Oyite, contesting the LC5 position on the NRM ticket, echoed Ogwal’s concerns. While maintaining a calm demeanour, he lamented the deteriorating conditions under the current administration, citing poor roads, inadequate education and healthcare, and widespread poverty.

“The people of Oyam face many challenges. This debate was intended to spark developmental discussions. Blocking it out of fear of accountability is unacceptable,” Oyite declared.

He urged voters not to be intimidated by political actors attempting to manipulate the electoral process and encouraged citizens to support leaders who prioritise service over personal gain.

Local voter Innocent Ojok, widely known as Inno Must, expressed disappointment after arriving early at the venue in anticipation. “We were prepared to hear from our aspirants. The cancellation was unjustified. We need clarity and transparency, not silence.”