The running political feud in Gogrial state
6 min readBy Madol Madol Aguer, Juba, South Sudan
January 19, 2017 (SSB) — Gogrial state is one of the three states of former Warrap state. Gogrial state is named after a community that inhabited the area known as Gogrial people. Gogrial state is located at Wau state in to the North and Twic state into the South. The inhabitants of Gogrial state are not only Gogrial people according to the given name but we also have Aguok, Kuac Ayok, Awan Chan, Awan and Apuk in the state to silence those who question our diversity.
There was uproar over here and there complaining that why is one community given a state but they were not aware of other tribes in the state apart from Gogrial people. The name Gogrial state sound segregated to those minorities but it is a matter of time to amend the name because the name was not agreed upon with minorities during proposal of having separate state from mother Warrap and therefore minorities should not panic or feel stabbed by the decision to name the state without their consent.
Sons and daughters of Gogrial state have contributed a lot in revolution of this nation. Their names are inked in the historical book of revolution and struggle alongside their comrades from other parts of this wonderful country. Those of the president, Current governor Deng Kuac Aduol, and many others have played significant roles for this nation and they deserve applause and homage for job well done.
They fought for this nation from different angles to confirm their commitment and loyalty to this nation and it coming generations. That was a little overview and background about Gogrial state to those who might have no clue about it. Gogrial state happened to be among new created states with it governor Abraham Gum Makuach who indeed happened to be the first governor of Gogrial state.
Abraham Gum played a significant role in cracking down insecurity in a biased manner but we still appreciate what he has done to calm the situation. Gogrial state is now among the best state in term of stability and predictability of prosperity in a near future. Security is a priority of our government currently and therefore I will not talk of his shortcomings in terms of development and human rights violations.
However, Gum Makuach reshuffled his cabinet during his period by sacking youths for exile. He sacked some Ministers and county commissioners who were serving the defunct Warrap, and so many others. Reshuffling is a normal thing in any cabinet worldwide when it is done in a good faith free from biasness and ill political intentions.
In relation to that particular reshuffling many perceived it as internal rivalry between the governor and those sacked officials and I have to concur with that speculation because of what one of those officials is doing here accusing his former boss of malpractices and embezzlement. The motive behind their removal is not revealed by state concerned authorities.
Therefore, as a result of that reshuffling beef escalated a political row between the governor and his former officials with counter accusations of corruption and embezzlement of public funds. . Meanwhile, establishment money is given to each state for laying some foundations in those states but it ends up in the pockets of governor and his minister of finance according to the same source.
However, the motive behind their removal doesn’t matter to me personally, but what matters is the aftermath of their removal whether it will be positive on smooth operation of state government or will it hinder it smooth flow that each and everyone else want to see in our state. We should be more concerned of any slide political maneuvering between the different camps because our foundation is still very weak to stand any political storm.
We are starting from scratch in all aspects of life. Our people need security to cultivate without fear. They need primary health care centers. They need clean water and sanitation. They need standard education. They need somebody to heal their wounds through reconciliation and coexistence. They need clear vision towards prosperity. They need words of encouragement and not words of separation. Am not a fan of Abraham Gum or in any camp of two rivals.
I am with people’s interest. If Gogrial community is with Gum then I don’t have any objection and vice versa. Besides, those ministers who are campaigning even in funerals about Gum failure and embezzlement where his best friends before they were sacked and they didn’t object any move taken controversially by the governor. Where were you when Gum executed those convicted of murder without trial according to the law?
Where were you when Gum Makuach ordered for their shooting innocents teachers? Where were you when he embezzled the money you came out to the public today after being sacked? Why didn’t you resign if you were against his corruption and malpractices? Is it not too little too late to convince us of your good will? Is it not out of desperation and hopelessness made you confess of what happened in the state?
Why you were in a silent mode till his removal from the governorship? Common, you have to be interrogated seriously before you confuse us here. I do remember when some of you were my enemies when i objected governor move to execute people without being taken to court. So what happened today? Am against whoever opposes the system after his or her removal from the system.
I will only stand side by side with those politicians who resign from the system if there is any possible corruption in the system. That is why I hate politics because it is always about interest. Friends of today can become bitter enemies of tomorrow. There is neither permanent friendship nor principles.
Madol Madol Aguer is the acting Press Secretary, office of the governor/Gogrial State He is currently pursuing MSc. Economics policy and planning, Kampala University and can be reached via: Mmadolaguer2015@gmail.com or official no: 0922202023. This is the personal opinion and it does not represent the office of the governor.
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