Upper Nile State governor Abudhok Kur has sworn in state officials in Malakal despite the chaos that rocked his arrival in the oil-rich state yesterday.

A local media outlet reported that Governor Kur remained unfazed by the chaos and presided over the oath-taking ahead of his bid to streamline the administration.

Gunshots were reported yesterday, where community leaders from the sites of civilian protection in Malakal said a group of youth from a certain community attacked IDPs who were heading to a nearby airport to welcome the governor.

The group is said to be opposed to the appointment of Abudhok Kur as the area governor.

Recently, President Salva Kiir Mayardit cleared the state governors to swear in the state officials but not to assume the role of hiring and firing.

The Republican Decree warned govermors that assuming such administrative mandates would amount overstepping boundaries and insubordination.

Kur was appointed after a lengthy discussion and haggling between President Kiir and First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, where the latter had preferred Gen. Johnson Olony, who was not the preferred choice of the head of state.