Jonglei State Assembly approves new cabinet ministers
April 18, 2012 (BOR) – The parliament of the South Sudanese state of Jonglei approved a new cabinet on 17 April in Bor, after it was proposed by governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk.
The list of 14 ministers across Jonglei’s 13 state ministries had been scrutinised by the caucus of South Sudan’s ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the previous day.
The governor reappointed his deputy governor and information minister, Hussein Maar Nyuot, as most ministers retained their positions but he did add some new faces.
Governor Manyang requested Jonglei’s parliament approve the new cabinet saying they were capable of delivering services to the people in the right way.
Moses Mayul Bol and Maker Chol Adol both SPLM members of parliament said they agreed with the appointments.
OPPOSITION COMPLAIN
However, the three members of parliament from the United Democratic Front (UDF) said the newly appointed cabinet is dominated by South Sudan’s ruling party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The UDF members complained that their party was not considered for ministerial positions.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune after the session, Joyce James Konyi, a UDF member of parliament representing Pibor County said a more balanced cabinet would have benefited the conflict-affected and underdeveloped state.
Opposition politicians were able to identify and find solutions to problems that SPLM members were not able to, she said.
“We heard in rumors that some members of the cabinet are from other parties but [it] is now proved in this draft that the members are from SPLM only”, said Konyi.
GOVERNOR URGES DEVELOPMENT
When he newly appointed cabinet ministers took their oath of office on Wednesday 18 April in Bor, Governor Kuol advised them to abide by the austerity measures that were brought in after South Sudan stopped oil-production in January.
The governor said that travel for officials for workshops and other business would be limited.
“I have realised that [a] big part of our money is wasted in unnecessary journeys to Juba for workshops. We should stop travelling to Juba for workshops. Every time workshop, workshop, we should stop it this time,” he warned.
Manyang also cautioned the state ministers to avoid employing people who are not productive and non-essential, urging the cabinet to make use of the current employees by training them.
He also called on the ministers to work with local commissioners to bring security to Jonglei’s 11 counties. South Sudan’s largest state is currently undergoing a civilians disarmament campaign following violence between cattle herding groups earlier this year. In 2011 over 1,000 people were killed in conflicts between rival groups in Jonglei.
Manyang instructed the minister of finance, Aquila Maluth, to observe and apply the austerity majors in the state, and cut down on Juba trips by the state ministers.
“The minister for finance has to observe and apply the austerity measures”, he said.
Manyang urged the ministers and the advisors to corporate and campaign for more funds to build the nation, and Jonglei State in particular.
“If the soldiers are fighting in the frontline [with Sudan over the disputed border] and giving their lives, why cannot we engaged our energies to build roads and bridges even with our own hands?”, he wondered.
“Through corporation, we can break the mountains, lift heavy loads, and we can dig rivers”, he insisted.
New Jonglei State Cabinet
1. Rev. Gabriel Gai Riam, Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs
2. Brig. Diing Akol Diing, Local Government
3. Lt. Col. Gabriel Duop Lam, Law Enforcement
4. Mr. Aquila Maluth Mam, Finance and Economics Development
5. Brig. Mayen Ngor Atem, Agriculture
6. Mr. Nyang Lul Gai, Livestock and Fisheries
7. Mrs. Racheal Nyadut Paul, Labour and Public Service
8. Jihan Makuei Deng, Health and Environment
9. Mr. Ogato Cham Gilo, Cooperative and Rural Development
10. Mr. Manoa Peter Gatkuoth, Physical Infrastructure
11. Mr. Stephen Par Kuol, Educayion
12. Mrs. Racheal Anok Omot Obal-Gender, Child and Social Welfare
13. Mr. Baba Medan-Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage
14.Mr. James Mayen Oka Arou, Minister without Portfolio
(ST)