![Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo and his colleagues at the front line in Upper Nile(Photo credit: courtesy image)](https://i1.wp.com/www.nyamile.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/olonythabo.png?resize=1154%2C693&ssl=1)
General Olony promoted himself three days ago in Kwek where he was cited saying that he has promoted himself and no body needs to verify or confirm his promotion, not even the leader of the SPLM/A-IO, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the current First Vice President.
According to Gen Olony, his promotion is in the best interest of his Agwelek forces which are allied to SPLM/A-IO and that is all that matters to him and the Agwelek.
Gen. Olony reiterated that his forces are collaborating with the SPLM/A-IO to achieve certain objectives; however, when it comes to promotion he has his absolute rights and powers to promote himself and his forces.
Gen. Olony hints that he will soon start promoting his forces within the SPLM/A-IO and said he does not need permission from Dr. Riek Machar or the SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, 1st Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.
Responding to social media criticism, Omojok Obac Denyong, a senior youth leader in SPLM/A-IO, said the promotion should not be politicized reiterating that Olony was promoted the Agwelek forces and not by himself.
“Disregard the fake information circulated in Social Media that Gen. Johnson Olony promoted himself to the Rank of 1st Lt. Gen, the truth is Gen. Olony did not promote himself alone,  he was promoted by Agwelek Military Council to the Rank of 1st Lt.Gen.” Cde. Omojok Obac Denyong said.
“Congratulations to Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo” Omojok added.