Ex-state governor dies of heart attack

JUBA – South Sudan’s Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabior announced on Tuesday the passing of state parliament member Abraham Makoi Bol Kodi. He described Kodi as a freedom fighter who contributed significantly to the country’s liberation struggle.

Makoi, a member of Lakes State Legislative Assembly at the time of his death, and a former governor of the now defunct Western Lakes State died of a heart attack at the Rumbek State Hospital on Monday evening.

Chol Kuotwel Manhom, State minister of local government and law enforcement agency told Sudans Post on Wednesday that the late Makoi will be remembered for his contribution to the country.

“It is indeed a great loss to the people of Lakes State and the whole country, because we have lost a liberator, a leader and a friend to many,” Kuotwel said.

He disclosed that the governor has formed a seven-member committee to start arranging for the burial of Makoi.

“The death of our colleague honorable Abraham Makoi took people by surprise because he has not been known for any serious sickness, until suddenly, he felt ill and passed away without enough time that could have been used to transport him to further treatment and so on.”

He said Makoi seemed to be getting well but probably later in the evening suffered a more severe attack that caused his death.

“We are sending our condolences to the family, and we are making sure that as directed by the governor,” he said.

According to the minister, late Makoi was a liberator, a leader and his burial has to be accorded a befitting State burial.

He said the body is in the mortuary and people are arranging the grave and it will take like 2 days for the grave to be finalized then the state burial shall start immediately after that.

For his part, Thon Makur Makeny, SPLM State Assistant secretary for information said that the party secretariat in Lakes State had learnt about the sudden death of Makoi.

“On behalf of people and SPLM secretary, I hereby convey our heartfelt condolences to the constituency, Nyang community, and the immediate family of the late Abraham Makoi Bol Kodi during this tragic moment of losing their son, father and a leader,” said Makur.