Governor calls on church for moral supports during elections

By Ngor Arol Garang

December 20, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Mark Nyipuoc, Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, today called on church leaders to provide moral supports to his administration saying that Church should constantly pray for peace in Sudan as whole as the country is fast approaching nationwide elections adding that political leaders are members of the Church and need to be supported.

He expressed concern over the high level of hatred being displayed by groups he described as enemies of peace and southern development for years.

“Having studied in missionary schools right from childhood here in Wau, I do accept, recognize and appreciate the role the Church plays in complementing its efforts in the provision of services, especially in the health and education sectors,” the governor said.

Mark said that one of the responsibilities of the Church is to offer spiritual and moral guidance to the nation. It is through such guidance that Sudanese people in Wau will learn that the success of this country is equally their responsibility, he added.

“If all Sudanese people regardless of their geographical or tribal identity participate in productive activities, the country’s economy would improve,” he pointed out.

He assured the Diocese of Wau “under my long time friend who was my school mate at Busseri that my state Government will always supports you in your endeavors to raise the standards of our communities,”

He praised the pivotal role played by the church in the quest for peace and reconciliation, adding that the use of its premises for holding reconciliatory meetings is a demonstration of the Church’s will to help the nation.

“My Government is open to dialogue that will change the livelihood of southern citizens and I, therefore, wish to encourage you to feel free to discuss matters of national interest with my Government,” he said.

During his preaching today, his lordship, the bishop of Wau Diocese Rudolf Deng Majak is also reported as saying the Church is saddened with stories of child and women abuse.

“This is not Godly and perpetrators must be given the stiff punishment. The courts should dole out the necessary deterrent custodial sentences,” he said.

He also pledged his Church’s continued support for Government and its policies as it strives to rebuild the economy.

He called on Government to enhance the purchase of crops produced by peasant farmers so that unscrupulous buyers do not exploit them.

In the same church, Effesio Kon Uguak, state minister for communications and information besides being official spokesperson urged Church leaders not to allow bad seeds grow in their congregations.

There should be no hatred and hate campaign policy emitting from church requesting no adoption to other religions allegedly involves in politics, the minister advised.

(ST)