Opinion | Ninety-day performance of six SPLM governors
By Cde Magang Mading
![South Sudan's SPLM-appointed governors [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i1.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Untitled-design-41.png)
South Sudan’s SPLM-appointed governors [Photo by Sudans Post]
However, as the 90 days in office came to an end, it’s been different strokes for different states GOVERNORS. While some Governors have already hit the ground running in what typifies the assertion that they came prepared, some are still struggling to settle down and others, although a function of choice as it has turned out, have chosen to take their time.
Conversely, 90 days might seem somewhat insignificant a yardstick to measure the prospect of any state in South Sudan under the current leadership of president Salva Kiir at different levels, it also cannot be glossed over as a gathering storm that could ultimately be used to score the states at the end of transitional Government if they sustain the current pace.
Thus, from Bahr Ghazal region, Upper Nile region, and Equatoria region for geopolitical States zones, reports from each state Governors performance differ. performances determined by the capacity of the Governor, who has a clear idea, where he is headed or a function of the state on assumption of his office.
1- Governor Makur Kulang Liei of Lakes State-Rumbek
“Making Security His Focus. uplifting Lakes State to the best of it peak.”
In his 90 days in office, Governor Konybai of Lakes State has scored good marks in a few areas especially, security by checkmating the criminal activities across Lake State, cattle rustlers and unknown Gunmen to be known by Governor Konybai strategy’s, criminals who have been terrorizing the state. Hundreds of those criminals are behind bars now, even as he put in place certain security measures to reduce incidences of Herders clashes. Governor Makur Kulang has also scored peaceful disarmament approaches in Rumbek. Security is well contained in Lake State as per as Konybai leadership is concern. only few peace spoilers are still dancing the tune of killing.
Governor Makur Kulang is of the view that for Lake State to come out of its present deplorable state, it needs to strengthen its security systems for people to live coexistence life, his appointment as first Governor of reconstituted Lake State has reintroduced the feeling of social Cohesion among the people of Lake State.
At the Reception Ceremony organized by ” State Advanced Team” at Rumbek freedom square, Governor “Konybai “vowed to eradicate Guns in the hands of civilians ” Making Lake State a paradise again” by strengthening agriculture to eradicate hunger.
Governor Kulang has set out on the right path as few months into his administration, he declared a peaceful handing over of Guns to State Government voluntary, which he believed could shape the security sector and enhance peace and stability. Peaceful handling over of Guns was unwavering celebrated and supported by the people of Lake State.
A month after the declaration, he convoked disarmament committee where experts, parents, traditional rulers, administrators, educators, and other concerned professionals assembled to brainstorm on the state of security in the state and proffered solutions to the ailing security strategy.
The peaceful disarmament gave birth to a committee called the disarmament technical Committee to breathe life into the security sector. After working for months and visiting many counties and Payams of Lake State as well as talking to relevant stakeholders, the committee came up with recommendations that the Governor has already approved.
Governor Makur Kulang, in many of the other equally important sectors did not want to leap before he looked and so, he has dedicated a large part of his first 90 days in office to planning, strategizing and soliciting counsel on crucial policies on security of the people.
That is to says, he has continued at an encouraging pace in other areas. For example, he has ordered chiefs and Youths to talks to their people regarding peaceful disarmament.
2- Governor Tong Aken Ngor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
“Strives to Walk His Talk.”
In 90 days of his administration, NBGS Governor, Hon Tong Aken is striving to walk his talk about giving the state focused and qualitative Governance by creating an enduring security strategy and individual prosperity for the people of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
To achieve this, Governor Tong has made security a priority issue, explaining that he has a covenant to protect the good people of NORTHERN Bahr El Ghazal State. Thus, he procured patrol vehicles and bikes for security personnel.
The Governor has also given attention to infrastructure, approving road reconstruction projects in all the counties and Payams connecting Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
3 – Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony of Central Equatoria State
“The Battles Overwhelming Challenges.”
Although the Central Equatoria State Governor, Emmanuel Adil promised to focus more on human development, social services and youth empowerment, Governor Emmanuel is yet to map out the road to these promises. Whilst also promising to continue to apply prudence and fiscal discipline in handling the finances of state, he urged civil servants in the state to reciprocate the implementation of the new minimum wage with renewed dedication to duty and the selfless discharge of their primary responsibilities.
however Governor Emmanuel is yet to fully takeoff in the current dispensation, largely bogged down by challenges of Governance especially, in the area of security, coupled with the fact that Governor Emmanuel has yet to set up his cabinet for this second term as Governor of Reconstituted Central Equatoria State.
Governor Adil Anthony is yet to set Juba city council at right prestige especially on Development scale, Renovating local Roads connecting counties and Payams of Central Equatoria State in the end of 2020 and making Juba city clean.
Governor ANTHONY is committed to chose the best team as a cabinet that will help him actualize his dreams and visions for the development of his dear state, Central Equatoria State.
4- Governor Bona Panek Biar of Warrap State
“Making Warrap State greater.”
Before a joyous gathering of Warrapans and SPLM leaders, Gen Bona gave account of his stewardship in the last 90 days as Governor of Warrap State.
His administration, As the Governor of Warrap State is said to have brought relief to the people of Warrap State in key areas, thereby improving the well-being of the populace by making security as first priority of his Administration across Warrap State.
Governor Biar efforts to take Warrap State to new heights in line with his campaign promises and manifesto of the SPLM remained on course, revealing that his administration had taken bold steps to build on the peaceful coexistence foundations laid by his predecessors.
After taking the oath of office in 3 months times, Governor Bona has resolve to make Warrap State greater is being manifested through the six pillars of development, known as T.H.E.M.E.S. This is security agenda which was carefully formulated to tackle the problems identified in sectors that are strategic to the growth of his dear State of Warrap-Kuajok.
The Government of Warrap STATE lead by Maj-Gen Bona Panek Governor of Warrap State is glad to inform the people of Warrap that his Administration have seen tremendous improvement on security and citizens are happy with the results in the last 90 days. the State Government will continue to attend to the situation for permanent solutions.
On education, Governor Bona revealed that the State had concluded a plan to recruit more than 100 teachers. Gen Biar government had already appropriated resources for the upgrade of public schools in Warrap State, which would also be equipped with required materials to aid quality learning.
Governor Biar appreciated people of Warrap State for keeping faith with his administration, adding that the support accorded his government made the success of the last 100 days possible.
Governor Biar is ready to bring about more programmes and actions that will take Kuajok to greater heights in socio-economic development. the coming days will be filled with good governance and more successes.”
5- Governor Dr Joseph Manytuil of Unity State, Hope
“Prudence and Restoration of peaceful coexistence in Bentiu.”
Ever since Dr Manytuil assumed office in his 3rd times as Governor of Unity State, Dr Nguen has left no one in doubt about his capability and competence as a tested and trusted administrator and technocrat of repute in discharging his constitutional responsibility, creditably to the admiration of the good people of Unity State who are delighted that president Salva Kiir has made the right choice by appointing Dr Manytuil as Governor of Unity State.
Listing some of the Governor Manytuil landmark achievements, Governor Manytuil has succeeded in restructuring and repositioning the state’s civil service by streamlining some ministries, departments and agencies, ensuring financial transparency and accountability through the operation of a Single Treasury Account.
Governor Manytuil resoluteness in consolidating on birthing a Unity State of dreams that has manifested in his commitment to the prestige the citizenry of Unity State.
6- Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State-Torit.
“Surpassing all expectations.”
Governor Lobong has been a bastion of hope for the people of Eastern Equatoria State since his assumption of office more especially during this critical time when the masses are confronted with the threat of Coronavirus pandemic and political instability in Equatoria region.
Despite unfounded criticisms of his person and personality, he has remained focused, firm, unwavering and has endeared himself to the good people of Eastern Equatoria state within his 90 days in office.
Governor Louis Lobong certainly does not belong to the league of Governors. He has always maintained the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by president since 2005, He is the longest serving Governor in the history of South Sudan Governors appointed or elected.
During his inaugural welcoming at Torit freedom square, Governor Lobong made it clear that protection of lives and property would be his utmost priority and warned criminals to leave the state.
He followed it up immediately with the launch of a security operation code-named: “Search and Flush”. He provided security pick up vans for the operation and charged the combined team of security agencies to flush out criminals in all parts of the state.
Today, there’s peace and tranquility in Torit as usual, Eastern Equatoria State is one of the peaceful State in South Sudan followed by Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
The writer is a former press secretary of for governor of defunct Western Lakes State. He can be reach via Email: Magangmadingmajok@gmail.com.
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