Two sources within the Kirkuk Administration told KirkukNow that the Acting Governor Rakan Jibouri “will not become an MP, but will stay as governor.” The governor himself has previously told Kirkuk now that he would stay in his current position until the provincial elections.
The sources' comments come after rumours were spread by some outlets and on social media that the governor is planning to become an MP.
One of the sources, who wished to remain unnamed because he is not authorised to speak to the press, told KirkukNow: “The news that speaks of Rakan Jibouri entering the parliament […] is false.”
And Falah Yaychli, mayor of Kirkuk, told KirkukNow: “Rakan Jibouri going to parliament to become an MP is not true. Right at this moment that I talk to KirkukNow, Rakan Jibouri is in a meeting as Kirkuk governor.”
Rakan Jibouri going to parliament to become an MP is not true
Rakan Jibouri is currently in Baghdad for a visit to attend a meeting of inter-provincial coordination committee.
According to law, when the governor is absent, his deputy assumes the position. But since Jibouri is an acting governor and doesn’t have a deputy, Kirkuk’s mayor assumes his duties.
Falah Yaychli, said: “If there was something like that, I would know about it. But I assure you that there is no such thing. Rakan Jibouri won a parliamentary seat in March 2018, but he remained in the position of Kirkuk governor and didn’t take oath [in parliament].”
Jamal Shukur, an MP from Kirkuk on PUK list, told KirkukNow: “It seems that Rakan Jibouri wants to become an MP to avoid punishment for his corruption cases and get immunity.”
It seems that Rakan Jibouri wants to become an MP to avoid punishment for his corruption
On 15 September, the Iraqi Federal Commission of Integrity issued a travel ban order against Rakan Jibouri on corruption charges. A summons order was also issued for him.
Since 16 October 2017, when Najmadin Karim was ousted in the aftermath of the KRG independence referendum, PUK is waiting to be allowed to fill the position as they consider it their right.
Jamal Shukur said: “According to law, the post must be filled by Kurds, but if Rakan Jibouri becomes an MP, then the mayor will automatically fill his place. But I don’t think that the Arab and Turkmen sides have made such an agreement.”
