Machar’s office says Olony ‘ready’ to unite, hope Kiir appoint him soon

JUBA – The office of South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has said that General Johnson Olony Thabo is ready to unite the people of Upper Nile state, saying it believes President Kiir appoint him soon.

General Olony is the SPLM-IO nominee for governor of Upper Nile state. He was nominated along with three others in June but President Kiir refused to appoint him saying the opposition commander is a warmonger who will hamper reconciliation efforts in the oil-rich Upper Nile state.

In a statement this morning, James Gatdet Dak, the press secretary for Machar, said consultations were underway and that constituencies have been asked to nominate their representatives to various positions in the local government as well as in the states and the would-be reconstituted parliament in Juba.

“Consultations are ongoing as each and every constituency in all the 10 States (plus Administrative Areas) are being directed to forward lists of their nominees (Party Cadres) recommended for appointments to executive and legislative positions in the States and Areas,” James Gatdet said.

The opposition official added that the “bicameral national legislature in Juba is also expected to be reconstituted soon.”

He further said he believe President Salva Kiir will soon appoint Olony as governor of Upper Nile state saying the opposition commander is ready to unite the people of Upper Nile state.

“As for those concerned about the yet to be appointed Governor of Upper Nile State, we believe His Excellency, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, will appoint him soon. Cde General Johnson Olony is ever ready for the responsibility and to unite, or maintain the unity of the great people of Upper Nile State,” he said.

“And for the sake of info or clarity, all the Governors report to His Excellency the President, as the Head of State and Government, irrespective of which Party they come from. It is when it comes to Party matters that they consult with or seek directives from their respective Chairpersons of the Parties,” he added.