SPLM governor pick Rezig Hassan campaigns in Wau

By Ngor Arol Garang

March 1, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Rezig Zacharia Hassan, the gubernatorial candidate on the ticket of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), on Saturday launched his electoral campaign in Wau town, the capital of the southern state of Western Bahr el Ghazal.

The former Raja commissioner served under the recently replaced governor Mark Nyipuoc, whose post is now occupied by the caretaker governor Effesio Kon Uguak.

Rezig Zacharia Hassan draws support from politicians in the state including clan members of former governor Mark Nyipyuoc. He has a good working relationship with current caretaker governor Effesio Kon Uguak who doubles as official spokesperson of the state government as well as Minister of Information and Communication Services.

Effesio Kon Uguak reportedly holds a political grudge against the ex-governor, despite their shared clan affiliation. The rivalry led to Uguak’s removal from the position of SPLM state Secretary General in months that also saw the removal of Rezig Zacharia from the Raja county commissionership in 2008.

However, key members within Luo and Western Bahr el Ghazal State as a whole managed to convince then-Governor Nyipuoc to consider Uguak for a ministerial appointment in months leading towards end of 2008.

Both the SPLM governor candidate and acting Governor Uguak have a political friendship with the former commissioner for Wau East County, Colonel Wol Maduong. Wol, who was also removed by Mark Nyipuoc, petitioned for the removal of the governor. He is expected to come on board Rezig’s administration as state security advisor, if the SPLM candidate wins in the upcoming elections.

Addressing the crowd of his supporters on Saturday, Rezig told the citizens that they will enjoy good governance if he is elected as next governor. He also urged citizens to make the right choice when voting to ensure the right person is put in the right position.

Addressing the public on the same occasion, Secretary General of Western Bahr El Ghazal’s High Election Committee Arkangelo Udo reminded all campaigning candidates and parties to refrain for using government assets.

He said state-owned vehicles and offices must not be used to serve campaign purposes, cautioning campaigners not to use threats to coerce votes. All involved in campaigning must abide by the electoral code of conduct, Udo said adding that campaigners are not allowed to talk ill of other candidates or defame opposition political parties.

(ST)