Former governor of Taiz in southern Yemen Shawki Hayel has revealed challenges he had faced while on his post. In a statement made amid accusations he abused his power and colluded through handing over Taiz to the Houthi militants, Shawki expressed his regret over such allegations.
"I am a civilian not military official and those who accuse me might put themselves in my place to see what options they have in a lawless country," he said.
"I rendered my resignation after it had been notified of attempts by some to kill me. Some warned me that groups would compete for targeting me. I never gave up though because after my resignation it shifted my focus on humanitarian works," he said.
"I accepted to governor while the country was facing tough times, not because being a governor was a merit but in a bid to serve the people in Taiz and give to this city what it has been deprived of for a long time," he said. "It is very unjust to hear people accuse me of betrayal and supporting a party against others".
I did my best to change the situation in Taiz and faced many challenges and roadblocks that arose as a result of unrest and conflict, he said, adding I along with honest and hard working officials boosted trust among all factions to focus of better things and in the end to save our city.
"Under my leadership, Taiz was being envied by other cities for peace, security and harmony among its population that prevailed then," he said.
"We changed Taiz which local and international media were picturing as a city of conflict into a stable city," he elaborated.
It can't be that I betray the people of Taiz and should not be accused of treason especially after a rocket landed inside the state house where I sued to meet officials to discuss provincial issues, he said.
"That rocket was a threat message to thwart my efforts completely," he said, pointing out, " I am not a betrayer as I thought to leave the city to a safe place in order to serve Taiz in a better way".
I did my best to keep Taiz away from violence after chaos swept across the country and succeeded for a while because all officials including those within the provincial security committee were cooperative, he said.
"At last, the situation went out of my hand because some officials turned against my peace efforts," he said.
Shawki said he had faced attempts of extortion and resumed the responsibility which was avoided people more competent and skilled than him. I never set a bet at the expense of Taiz and all I call for now is that people should judge others fairly and respectfully, he said.
"In few words, I took the responsibility a civilian not military official in a country which lacked the real authorities to help me reinforce the rule of law. Above that, I have left to do more for Taiz not escaping," he concluded.