WES governor tours state counties

July 1, 2010 (TAMBURA) — Western Equatoria state (WES) governor, Col Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro has received a “rousing welcome” from thousands of greater Tambura citizens, cramming into a welcome rally to hear from the new governor.

This is the first time for Bakosoro to tour the state after emerging as the only independent gubernatorial winner as the first elected governor of WES in the Sudan’s April general elections.

While in Greater Tambura, Bakosoro, delivered the messages of unity and reconciliation amongst the citizens.

Bakosoro, who was elected more than two months ago, however faces a host of challenges in his new job, including insecurity imported by the Ugandan rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) from the neighbouring Uganda and potential threats by the Ambororo nomads.

While in the area, he paid tribute to the grave yard of his late father who died few days prior to April elections.

Addressing a rally at Tambura Freedom Square, Col Bakosoro thanked the citizens of greater Tambura for having elected him as their leader of their choice and promised to work hand in hand with the communities.

The governor called upon the citizens “to focus and pay close attention on the security of the land and the upcoming referendum that will determine the destiny of southerners”

“So this is going to be a great adventure,” he warned. “We’ll have some ups and some downs. We’ll face some obstacles along the way. But be of good cheer and be of strong heart, and do not grow weary, as we attempt to do good on behalf of our country and the world,” he said.

The governor reiterated that, “elections are over, so the people should forget the past and struggle to build a better government that will be government of the people and that will serve them equitably.”

He added, people should have one family of Tambura, and WES in order to build a strong unified state.

Col. Bangasi called upon the youth of the area to organize themselves in groups and have better coordination with the organized forces in the state for any actions against the LRA rebels.

He encouraged the citizens to cultivate in order to produce enough food that will be purchased by the outsiders, saying the state government will solicit for potential buyers.

The governor also cautioned against unnecessary road blocks by unauthorized personnel on most roads within the state. “There should only be exit and entrance to the state,” he added, referring to the only points where road block is necessary.

Bakosoro tour to greater Tambura also took him to Source Yubu Payam, 24 miles from Tambura County, preaching the same message of unity, peace, reconciliation, referendum, and security of the region from the LRA.

Citizens of Tambura County, which is one of the counties badly hit by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), also expressed their dismay for the loss of lives incurred during recent rising attacks by LRA, calling upon the governor to extend hands to the arrow boys.

In related development, the Chairperson of Tambura Youth Association, Job Agume, said “the Arrow Boys are well organized, hence, ready to cooperate with the security forces in the area in an event of LRA clandestine attack.”

Agume asserted that “Tambura County has fewer teachers who cannot cope up with the growing number of students and pupils, therefore the state ministry of education should look into the issues so that the children of greater Tambura can acquire quality education”.

Western Equatoria state governor was accompanied by a web of his cabinet members, who had joined him to familiarize themselves with state issues and challenges.

(ST)