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Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor: A great man to be remembered the most by the people of Greater Lakes State

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By Gum Thany Mon, Juba, South Sudan

March 20, 2017 (SSB) —- On 24/12/2015, there came the most celebrated presidential decree of appointing the first ever governors of 28 states that were established shortly before the appointment. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor was among the lucky government officials whose names went down into the history of South Sudan. He became the first ever governor of Eastern Lakes state shortly after disintegration of then 10 states.

His appointment was one of the best celebrated. You could then ask yourself why? Gen. Rin was the man wanted by the community as simple as that, was the answer. Lots of applause ran the air with lots of ululations almost everywhere from the communities on a pretext that a right leader whom they had been longing was finally brought to lead them. Based on the community’s excitements, President Salva Kiir became the best leader ever since given the fact that his decision to bring them Gen. Rin was a response to the call of the community.

Traditionally, many goats and cattle were killed subsequently for days to show solidarity. His house in Thongpiny remained opened 24 hours for more than a month. Many traditional dances such as Kudung Atuot, Amoc of Ciec Manyiel, Kabulo and wrestling were exhibited as a mark of community satisfaction. It was a joyous moment that could never be forgotten.

In the welcoming ceremony organized by the community in his honour at Freedom Hall, Gen. Rin presented a very powerful manifesto detailing what were his priorities of governing the state. Everyone was enjoying. In his speech, he promised to work as a team with Governors; Hon. Abraham Makoi and Hon. Madheng Majok of Western Lakes and Gok states respectively to realize stability that people of these 3 states were yarning for. Shortly after they reached their respective homes, Gen. Rin was made the Chief Security of the 3 states of former Lakes.

This is a brilliant but brief narrative to how Hon. Rin as a governor of Eastern Lakes State started-off his duty as a public servant. As to whether he has achieved all that he promised, I am convinced that Gen. Rin has done a lot that cannot go unnoticed. Outstandingly, Gen. Rin deserves appreciation. After his relief on 27/02/2017 Gen. Rin together with his counterparts had finally brought stability as they promised. He managed to return back looted heads of cattle of around 200 from western lakes state.

People of Lakes states are now enjoying the fruit of his good leadership. They are peaceful among themselves and indeed with their neighbors. Gen. Rin is now believed by the community to be the best in maintaining law and order. And I think that itself manifested what he was suppose to do when he campaigned for gubernatorial seat of the then lakes state as a whole.

What inspired me to write this piece of article in recognition of positive aspect of Gen. Rin is his speech after being relieved in an occasion organized by the same community in the same venue of Freedom Hall in honour of his successor Gen. Bor Wutchok Bor. Gen. Rin accepted the change made by president and congratulated Gen. Bor for winning confidence and trust of the president and the people of Eastern Lakes state.

He continues praising Gen. Bor that he is the right man to succeed him. He was so optimistic to work with Gen. Bor Philip for the betterment of the state, a thing that is rear from our army generals who believed in remaining in power as the only reward of their then struggle to liberate South Sudan and if not, rebellion is the option. Gen. Rin is an exceptional leader of our time.

On a personal note, I like Gen. Rin for only three very important leadership attributes in him. First, he is a man who can make a decision. It is known that great leaders are great decision-makers.I know decision making in the political arena is not always liked by some intellectuals for it is against the interests and politics is all about the interest.

In case he might have fallout with few state intellectuals, I guess it might be his bold position when approaching the situation. Second, self-confidence: His competencies and skills have no doubt.I like that character much. Thirdly, Gen. Rin is so courageous. Given above cited characters, Gen Rin is my role model.

Last but not the least;I am obliged to encourage Gen. Rin to keep his momentum of having this nation at the bottom of his heart. With you keeping that track, I am confident that our beloved president Gen. Salve Kiir Mayardit will again assign you to serve South Sudanese at a different capacity. May the lord guide you.

The writer is a teacher-in-making in University of Juba pursuing bachelor degree of education measuring physics and mathematics. He can be reached at: gumthany94@gmail.com/ +211955078580

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