Thousands line streets to welcome new caretaker governor in Unity state
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
July 17, 2013 (BENTIU) – Unity state residents lined the main street from Rubkotna airstrip to the state capital Bentiu to salute caretaker governor Joseph Nguen Monytuel upon his arrival on Wednesday.
While addressing the crowd at the national Bentiu independent stadium on Wednesday, the governor called on Unity state residents to unite and move forward from the past.
“It has been a long journey to cry to [the] president [Salva Kiir], you the people of Unity state. But today the president has given you his ear to appoint me as the caretaker governor, and this was what you were looking for since a long time”, said Monytuel.
Monytuel was appointed on 7 July after Kiir issued a surprise decree sacking elected governor Taban Deng Gai. No official reason has been given for his decision.
The former governor has slammed the decision as unconstitutional, saying his removal from office is linked to a recent trip he made to the US, where he claims Kiir suspects he held meetings with US government officials on the possibility of vice-president Riek Machar contesting the presidency in the 2015 general elections.
The caretaker governor said his government would prioritise roads construction, health services, education and electricity.
There are also plans for the construction of a water pipeline to every house within the state capital, as well in nine of the state counties.
Monytuel also vowed to address unrest caused by cattle raiding that continues to claim lives along the state’s three borders by boosting cooperation with Warrap and Lake states in a bid to eliminate the practice.
The vast majority of Unity state’s population fled the state due to unrest and insecurity between 2009 and 2012, with groups of young taking up arms against the government amid claims of corruption and tribalism following a 2010 election.
Monytuel has urged those that settled in other regions to return for the betterment of the state and to assist in its development.
The caretaker governor is a vocal supporter for development in the state and has called on youths to end the practice of cattle rustling and participate in government policy.
Monytuel assured youths that his government will improve employment opportunities or young people in the private sector and government institutions.
The caretaker governor warned civilians to refrain from taking a tribal line and to work together as one.
Many of those who lined Bentiu’s streets to welcome the new governor, expressed optimism about his message.
Giel Maluoth, a Payinjiar county resident, who came to the state capital two days ago, said he was impressed by the caretaker governor, saying he hoped his appointment would bring more stability to the state.
Another resident, Nyakerekni a Rubkotna, said Monytuel would have a positive impact on development in her state, adding she hopes that health services will improve within the next six months.
In 2005, a comprehensive peace agreement signed between the Khartoum government and the former rebel group turned ruling party imposed Gai as the first governor of the semi-autonomous government in Unity state.
Since his appointment the former governor has come under increasing criticism for mismanaging the state’s underground oil resources.
Monytuel has long been regarded as Unity state’s popular choice for governor. In 2007, the position of state SPLM chairman was contested by both Gai and Monytuel, who ultimately won the seat.
However, Monytuel’s candidature for the 2010 election was rejected by the ruling
political bureau, including the president, who instead nominated Gai for the governorship.
It is thought that Kiir’s decision to remove Gai was politically motivated and came after the former governor apparently opposed his bid for a third term in the 2015 elections.
Monytuel’s appointment is viewed as a way of serving his political interests in the state.
(ST)