Jonglei’s Pachala leader denies relocating headquarters
By Philip Thon Aleu
August 24, 2009 (BOR TOWN) – Pachala commissioner says media reports that he intends to relocate county’s headquarters to Otalo are “false and misleading.”
“There is no policy to remove the capital from Pochala,” Mr. Okwier said adding “Such a report is false and misleading. It has come as a surprise to everybody [in Pochala].”
When asked whether there is future plan to relocate the headquarters, Okweir says he not yet reached Pochala. But he was quick to add “it is the people who will later on decide if the capital will be taken to another place. Not the commissioner alone.”
“My intention of coming [as commissioner] is that there should be security and development. I want to organize my people to settle and send children to schools,” he said adding “my aims will have impacts and Pochala will catch-up with the rest of the counties.”
Daivd Okwier replaced former commissioner John Joseph Abulla in June, 2009 council reshuffling. Mr. Abulla has had strained ties with the state’s powerful traditional leader Anyuak King Adongo Agada over resources management.
Okweir says “people who are not happy with the change” are out “to creating such stories to cause chaos” in the County he described as “land locked.” In series of denials, Mr. Okweir, who has being labeled National Congress Party (NCP) supporter, says he will challenge the accusation in next year’s elections.
“I’m a [freedom] fighter right from Anyan-anya One (1) and will always stand with my people till the end,” he noted. “Pochala will give 100% votes to the SPLM [Sudan’s People Liberation Movement] during my regime.”
Mr. Okweir explains the necessity to stick to the SPLM by that “it’s the only party to give right services to the people of southern Sudan.”
Since taking office two months ago, Okwier is yet to visit Pochala. Okweir says he is preparing to take officers dragging their feet in Bor Town to Pochala in order to delivery services starting at the grassroots.
Without road networks connecting Pochala to Jonglei capital and neighboring counties of Akobo and Pibor, Okweir plans to engage state government to open paths. Infrastructures have being demolished during the war and mentioning children to schools without structures does not succeed, he says.
Okweir slapped leaders of former commissioner that “there have never being a government plan to start work” when questioned over the long list of priorities.
‘MARAUDING YOUTH’
On insecurity, mainly child abduction and raiding from neighboring Murle of Pibor and Akobo raider, Okweir says he will polish contacts between the commissioners to “control marauding youths.”
“Simple. It’s just contact between Pibor, Akobo and Pochala Commissioners to agree and use government influence in accordance with the law,” he responded when asked how ‘commissioners’ meeting can work given many agreements dishonored.
Road building, good relationship with traditional leaders and implementation of developmental projects are some of the ways Okweir says will assist to quell raiding rate in the state. He labels the rampant insecurity in Jonglei state as “detrimental to development.”
Chiefs complain that commissioners are linear and soft while handling ‘criminals’ indulged in cattle rustling. Okweir explains the tribally affiliated immunity as lack of nationalism among the leaders.
“There are those who work for self interest, which I’m against. And this is lack of an inborn nationalism. You cannot borrow,” he stressed. Okweir says the County authorities will “improve relationship with the King in the area and sisterly country Ethiopia to maintain peace and security.”
Also in the policy of services increment, more schools, health centers, social development and better security to pave way for prosperity. All these, the County cannot afford without Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). There is no NGO operating in the eastern county bordering Ethiopia to-date prompting the leader to call upon the NGOs and state government to take note.
Promising to fully represent the government of the state at the county, Okweir says will always refer difficulties beyond his ability to the Governor.
(ST)