JUBA – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has this afternoon sworn in some of the newly appointed state governors, according to a statement by the presidency.
This comes a few days after Kiir appointed eight state governors refusing to appoint SPLM-IO nominee for Upper Nile State due to objection by Apadang community who argues that General Johnson Olony is a divisive figure. The other candidate for Jonglei which was nominated by a section of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance was not agreed upon and was not appointed.
“The President of the Republic, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the seven out of the eight newly appointed state governors and chief administrators of Abyei and Ruweng administrative areas on Wednesday,” the presidency statement said.
The appointment came as a result of an agreement between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny on the formation of the state governments. The government appointed governors for eight states with the exception of Jonglei and Upper Nile states which would be resolved soon.
“During the swearing in ceremony, most speakers emphasized on security, education health, agriculture and revenue collection for the development of the states.
“Addressing the ceremony, President Salva Kiir Mayardit described the Swearing in ceremony as a milestone for the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity. President Kiir called on the newly appointed state governors and administrators to disseminate the message of peace to the populations in their respective states, and work hard to end inter communal conflicts in the states.
“The First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny called on the state governors to cooperate and resolve challenges facing the populations in the ten states and administrative areas of the country.
“Meanwhile, the Vice President for the Gender and Youth cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior urged the state governors to include women, youth and people with disabilities in the state government.
“On his part, the governor of Eastern Equatorial State Louis Lobong Lojore, who represented the governors, said that they accept the challenge of developing their respective states, and as governors they will implement the 35 per cent affirmative action by including women in the state governments.
“In addition the Chief Administrator of Abyei Administrative area, Kuol Diem assured the government and the people of their respective administrative areas that they will work tirelessly to deliver services to the people.”
