Six apply for governorship of newly-proposed Rumbek state

October 14, 2015 (RUMBEK) – Six intellectuals from South Sudan’s Lakes state have applied for governorship of the proposed Rumbek state amid intense lobbying for the post.

Among those in the race are former human rights advisor who resigned in May last year after she was assaulted by armed men in her house for unknown motives. Other contestants for the governorship are Adak Costa Mapuor, Benjiman Maker Mabor, Abraham Makoi Kodi, David Nok Marial, Paul Mayom Akec and Akol Paul Kordit.

Mapuor said she seeks to reunite the people of Rumbek for a better state based on the foundation of justice.

“I need foundation of justice and fairness in Rumbek- I need hope for orphans and widows to regain to know that South Sudan belongs to them. Education is right for all people of all ages in Rumbek. Disable people deserve to have houses and poor men and rich people deserve legal protection on platform of justice”, said the female contestant.

However, Kodi said he will mainly focus on youth employment in the newly created state.

“Reforms in justice and youth employment are a way forward for better Lakes state,” he said.

Mabor, a youth advocate said he will work closely with the people to restruct Rumbek by improving security and to strengthen manpower by upgrading roads and moral for community to trust governance. He also called for peace and harmony within Lakes state, saying it was an avenue for reconciliation and trust among the rival communities.

“Peace and harmony must be based on reform on institutions, roads improvement and security to be stable is top job. For the ppeople to trust governance is key to discourage unknown gunmen ambushes in Lakes state. The vision of youth employment based on qualification will be inspired and supported through all options,” stressed Mabor.

Meanwhile, women across unions and associations in Lakes state want a female to lead Lakes state, saying males have allegedly failed in governance of Lakes state affairs.

(ST)