In a recent press statement, Hon. Changkuoth Bichiock Reth, Secretary General of the Federal Democratic Party (FDP), publicly addressed his alleged expulsion from the party by FDP leader Hon. Gabriel Changson Chang. Bichiock dismissed the expulsion as a personal, unfounded decision by Changson, arguing that it lacks legal basis and violates the FDP’s internal constitution.

Bichiock criticized Changson for failing to follow proper constitutional procedures, asserting that the expulsion decision bypassed the necessary investigative and disciplinary steps. According to Bichiock, the FDP constitution mandates a formal investigation and oversight from the party’s Leadership Council before any expulsion can be finalized. He emphasized that no formal discussions or specific constitutional violations were presented as grounds for his removal, labeling Changson’s decision as “null and void.”

The tension between Bichiock and Changson appears to have intensified after a recent parliamentary committee reshuffle by the Speaker of the National Assembly. On September 24, 2024, Bichiock was reassigned from the Finance and Economic Planning Committee to the Energy and Dams Committee. Although Bichiock initially agreed to delay taking on the new role at Changson’s request, he eventually assumed the position after waiting over a month, citing parliamentary rules that required him to accept or forfeit the seat.

Bichiock further alleged that Changson demanded he resign from the Energy and Dams Committee in favor of appointing Hon. Tut Gatkek Tut, a relative of Changson’s, to the role. He claimed that Changson threatened him with expulsion from both the party and Parliament if he did not comply. According to Bichiock, the expulsion attempt lacks specific evidence of wrongdoing and is a violation of the FDP’s constitutional principles.

Expressing concerns over what he described as “dictatorial” actions, Bichiock announced that the party’s leadership would soon meet to address Changson’s conduct. He urged FDP members to remain calm, reassuring them that unity and transparency would be prioritized, and he promised further updates following the leadership’s meeting within the next 24 hours.