The swearing in ceremony of MPs and Commissioners of Akobo and Bieh States
By Pal Chol Nyan, Juba, South Sudan
March 25, 2017 (SSB) —- The Hon MPs and Commissioners of the twin States of Akobo and Bieh States have today been sworn in; in a colourful event at the States Coordination Office in Juba. The ceremony was presided over by Hon Judge from the High Court and the two Governors, Lt Gen Johnson Gony Biliew and Col Moses Majok Gatluak respectively.
There was a multitude of celebrants in attendance including the author. The newly states officials have reassured the people of their States to work together for peace and harmony among the communities of Lou Nuer and their neighbours. They commended the President of the Republic Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit for having initiated the National Dialogue which was preceded by the National Prayer.
As one of the celebrant, the MPs and Commissioners are people’s representatives. They have got to meet the expectations of the local communities by providing basic essential services. The two Governors have pledged to work hand in hand with them. My message to the two Governors is that; delegate powers and duties to your commissioners that is decentralization.
The people need tangible services but not lip services. Our states are rich in abundant natural resources. We have great potentials and qualified workforce to develop our states to the standard of the modern world. The states Government should extend an olive branch to our brothers up in arms. They have an issue and a cause for which they took up arms.
We need to sit down and talk to reach a consensus on how to live together as a community. We must adopt the culture of dialogue. It is the only peaceful way of resolving problems and conflicts globally. Hostilities must be ceased and mutual understanding promoted.
One thing which has attracted my attention is that the appointees, be they legislatures or executives, are not given ample time to deliver what is expected of them. They are free in 6 months. The best period, call it a probation period is supposed to be about 2 years.
It is only there that you can now evaluate somebody’s performance. Six months is not enough for someone to do something. It is an abuse of power and it should be shunned. I wish all the newly sworn in officials all the best of luck as they embark on their noble and national duties.
The states need development of the basic infrastructures. It is a collective responsibility. What we say should be what we do. We need to keep and fulfil our promises so as to keep the hopes of our people alive. Our communities must to be encouraged to work in agriculture for subsistence.
We must educate them to be self-reliance and self -sufficient. War has its toll. Enough is enough. We have to speak the language of peace and reconciliation. Our logo shall be unity in diversity and peaceful co-existence.
The author is an independent opinion writer and can be reached at palcholnyan@yahoo.com.
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