Why can’t we take Brig. Chol Biar Ngang as a new governor for Jonglei State?
4 min readBy Samuel Reech Mayen, Kampala, Uganda
October 14, 2015 (SSB) — Following the presidential decree that split the 10 states into 28 states, the new state of Jonglei which is made up of three counties of Duk, Bor and Twic East has got a new gubernatorial vacancy. Although the viability of the new states is disputed on the basis of recently signed Compromised Peace Agreement (CPA II), this author is not looking at that issue. This article clarifies the reasons why Brig. Chol Biar-Adol should be the governor for the new state.
Definitely, it is not a right practice to give political posts in democratic societies like Greater Bor unanimously decided. On the other hand, this author reveres the decision of the two counties of Duk and Bor. It might be a traditional democracy and therefore, the leadership of Greater Bor is commended.
On this basis of new state demanding a new governor, many candidates have been mentioned in various forums to take the gubernatorial seat. All these people have got real qualifications to serve the people of Jonglei states. Nevertheless, most of the proposed candidates are serving in very crucial capacities at the national levels. For this reasons, it is better to support these people to deliver steady services in those capacities as future will determine their next move. It doesn’t sound well when Twic East officials in the national government holding key positions are interrupted for a governorship of less than three years.
Among these proposed candidates, this author suggests Brig. Chol Biar for his substantial experiences will enhance his performance (but not in comparison with other candidates). People have different leadership skills and are viewed differently by different individuals. As referred above, Chol Biar is a Brigadier General in the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA). He Joined the SPLA and rose through the ranks due to his commitment, discipline and loyalty. Like most generals that contributed for the liberation of South Sudan, Chol Biar sacrificed his youth-hood for the rights of the marginalized people of South Sudan. He did not deviate nor rest till peace was signed in 2005. Having commanded many forces, his leadership skills have built on and virtually a reason that put him always at the heart of the community in decision making.
Brig. Chol Biar is one of those generals who can write and narrate the history of South Sudan with first hand information and confidence. His mind is very clear and one can see leadership in his deeds. Moreover, Brig. Chol is one of the people who cannot sit when things are not done, a reason that makes him always being delegated in the communities’ affairs.
Besides his military commitment, Mr. Chol Biar is also an active community leader. Within Twic, down to his section, Chol is a focal point that is connected with everyone and understands the people he serves. Naturally and may be through many experiences, Chol is a democratic leader whom the late Uncle Elijah Malok Aleng fondly described as people-centered and action-oriented leader. Mr. Chol Biar is also innovative, his ideas are developmental. In most cases, he mobilizes people to ensure that they are not disconnected with their villages and positive cultures. He is concerned about the welfare of the people back in the rural areas. The idea of taking town to the people is in his blood. He has a house deep in the village as he goes every holiday.
Mr. Chol who completed his secondary school and left to the bush for the war of liberation resumed studies and built on his academic qualifications from Juba University. He graduated with Bachelor Degree and went for his post graduate studies that he has also completed.
He is a good orator, humble and humorous; these noble characters help him in dealing with tense situation. Like the Biblical principle of give to Caesar what belong to Caesar, this author feels that Mr. Chol Biar is the right choice for governorship. His good records since the war era will help him to get proper attention and support in addressing issues that are affecting the people of Greater Bor in their new states. These include boosting security within and with the neighboring states.
Finally, the decision that gives the gubernatorial position to the people of Twic East by Bor and Duk counties is a marvelous idea. It is therefore a duty of the people of Twic East to nominate a person that will represent the interest of the people of Greater Bor as well as the interest of the Sudan People‘s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The author lives in Kampala and can be reached at: mayenreech@gmail.com or +256 772 727 857.
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