Jonglei Traders elect new chair at government’s request
By Philip Thon Aleu
July 21, 2008 (BOR TOWN) – Jonglei Trade Union elected new chairman and twenty (20) other officials on Sunday in accordance to Bor Town Council’s request to change former leadership. Town council authorities say the former leadership left a wide gap between the government and traders union hence, the call for change.
Jacob Wuoi-magany assumed union chairmanship after two days of election exercise that started on Saturday replacing Samuel Anyijong; x-business chief seen as a tough headliner in representing traders complains.
Samuel Anyijong Kuol however, says the call to have new leadership by Bor County authorities is politically motivated; tabling grudges he under went in perusing traders’ rights as the prime cause of misunderstanding. According to Mr. Anyijong, monetary balancing cost him leadership.
“Because I disagreed with Bor County commissioner on increasing taxes, expensive licenses and shop plot allotment that favors government officials, I have to leave the chair and continue with my business,” he told traders on Saturday in his last speech as the trade union chief.
However, Bor County finance administrator Mabior Athiu, who chaired Saturday session, warned traders against electing incompetent leaders. Mabior was serene to deny any sort of differences that prompt Bor County authorities to call for a new chair but says any leader should balance the pivot. “We want a leader who works for traders as well as government,” he said.
Jonglei Governor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk and Bor County commissioner Abraham Jok Ariing supervise the election on Sunday. Governor Kuol Manyang clarified that government officials have a right to own shop plots but should not reroute office’s equipment for business.
Traders however, complained that most shops are owned by men of influence in the state and forced to rent. The former chairman Samuel Anyijong came head-to-head with the government, questioning the criteria used to grant first priority to State officials neglecting traders in allotting plots.
Bor County Commissioner was put to task to clarify the differences and; he (commissioner) promised smooth ties with the new traders’ leadership.
Trade Unions however, have no accepted name and constitutions which the current leadership is expected to come-up within a period of one year. The chairman elected, Jacob Wuoi-magany is bacholar decree holder in economics from a Ugandan university.
(ST)