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Jonglei Issues: Let’s Be Clear and Honest

By Samuel Reech Mayen, Kampala, Uganda

Governor Philip Agwer Panyang
Hon. Philip Agwer Panyang, the new governor of Jonglei State

March 6, 2016 (SSB)  —  The reasons some of us wanted Honorable Philip Aguer to be appointed as a governor is to lead in addressing challenges that are facing the citizens across the state. There are challenges of insecurity, poor performance in education, inadequate health facilities, lack of road networks and lack of economic policies in the state.

Besides, we expect him to build good relation not only with the neighboring states but also other states in the Republic of South Sudan so that our citizens are secured. This doesn’t mean that other leaders cannot perform these tasks, except that one position goes to one candidate at a time. Until now, no one has a tangible ground to judge whether the expectations will be met or not.

Some people thought the recent appointment of state ministers, advisors and division of MPs amongst the three counties is unfair and an indication of state downfall. The cabinet and Legislation might not have been divided fairly, however, it’s independent from service delivery. Independent in the sense that, a minister may come from another county and do exactly what we want him to do.  Parliamentarians may be more in the assembly from one county and pass the laws, develop policies that are satisfactory to our wishes.

I am not saying that one shouldn’t claim his rights, although need to draw a clear line between these two concepts; service delivery on one hand and political representation on the other hand.  Yes, we all have rights of fair representation, however, any claim of inequitable political representation doesn’t make us preempt that Jonglei state government will not perform as expected.

On the same point, we should guide ourselves from uttering offensive words against other people for we do not have the evidences of their influence behind the governor.  No need to accuse invisible figures. Let us not make it a practice to anticipate and talk ill against our elders.

To the youth, instead of making alarm for your counties representations, why don’t you ask for youth’s representations? The rest of the states have good numbers of youth holding ministerial positions. I am asking the youth of Greater Bor in Bor town to write a good-worded memo and present it to Honorable Governor Aguer so that he looks into this issue. Let the elders complain on behalf of the counties and the youth complain on their own behalf or else the youth will be trodden upon.

To His Excellency, Governor Philip Aguer, the youth want to serve our community with fresh knowledge, skills and abilities. They research day and night and are fully loaded with qualifications for service.  They are the best asset our State needs. You need to pick these ripe fruits. If a ripe fruit is not picked at a right time, what happen?

The author is a student living in Uganda and can be reached at: mayenreech@gmail.com or +256 772 727 857  

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