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Yak Ajak Ariik: The Charismatic leader BCYA Deserves

By Manyang David Mayar, Juba, South Sudan

Friday, December 04, 2020 (PW) — Bor County Youths Association (BCYA) politics is interestingly becoming hot as time ticks slowly closer toward the voting day. Delegates have been registered and the two candidates – Bior Kwer Bior and Yak Ajak Ariik are continuing with their campaign trails enthusiastically with high optimism of winning. 

As a Muony Bor myself, I had a chance to observe Bior and Yak carefully over the past few days. I have watched their mouths and listened attentively to their dreams for the future of our great Bor County in particular and Greater Bor in general.  I have looked directly into their eyes in order to separate truth from mere lies of politics. At last, I have found the distinction between the two candidates based on the following areas. 

Inclusivity

Yak Ajak Ariik is a down to earth gentleman and treats all people fairly regardless of age, education, or financial status. He is available all the time to respond to whoever calls him and he gives his full attention to that person. He knows by name all the Payam leaders in Bor including chiefs and the leaders know him. Whereas, Bior Kwer is a man of status. As a doctor, he clings to some specific group of people and that has cut him off from the rest of the community members. 

Yak loves those who hate him and give them the chance of becoming his friends and allies again. Bior disconnect from those who he thinks is a threat to his ambition. If such a person takes leadership, Bor risk to be fragmented into sections any time soon. Unity will be in jeopardy. 

Bravery

Yak Ajak is brave and confronts his challenges without fear. As a lawyer, he helps people find justice by what he says. He makes proper research and filing in order to win a case.  In this same way, he will be able to confront and challenge issues affecting Bor without any fear or favor. He will not bend down and succumb to negative political persuasions going on currently in the country.  

Free from Corruption

Yak Ajak has put his trust in the decision that Bor County Youths will do. He trusts in his ability to become the next chairperson of BCYA without any sort of short cuts.  He believes in the transparency of voting and freedom of voters in exercising their rights to choose their leaders. You can’t be a leader when your way to success is through panya-roads.  

Experience

Yak Ajak has been a leader before.  He led BCSYA in Kampala. He knows what it means to lead and be a team player. Leadership experience matters a lot. You may have success in running a project or business like US President Donald Trump, but fitting within the leadership environment can be challenging to outsiders.

In summary, leadership is not about wealth or a bundle of cash we share somewhere for a bottle of beer or a glass of wine in the bar. Leadership is about the future of a community. And that future rightfully lies in the hands of the young charismatic leader Yak Ajak Ariik. 

I hear people talking about developmental projects done by the other candidate. Those are great achievements. But having some accomplishment in the community doesn’t necessarily mean you can become a leader. There are several Bor youths who have done countless contributions to their communities in one way or the other, but that does not simply make them leaders. Leadership is more than just that. It involves all, but not limited, to the above.

In my opinion, BCYA delegates should vote for Yak Ajak according to some of the points explained above. Dr. Bior Kwer will continue his generosity like the rest of us in supporting the visions and future of Bor separately because leadership is a calling and that calling is in Yak Ajak Ariik. 

You can reach the author via his email address: manyang.davidmayar@gmail.com

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