Unity: Payinjiar citizens urge new commissioner to fight disunity, insecurity
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich
August 23, 2013 (BENTIU) – Citizens in Unity state’s Payinjiar county have welcomed the recent appointment of John Gatluak Doar as their new commissioner, urging him to focus on insecurity and disunity in the region.
CITIZENS REACT
Youth spokesperson Ruach Geay said the new commissioner was the right choice for the region, calling on him to tackle the rampant disunity among communities.
Gatjur Riak, a local chief in the area, said the newly-appointed commissioner should look at security, development and unity as his major priorities as he assumes office.
“The liability of security and the development of Payinjiar will be under your hands, we need unity, peace and prosperity [for the] community – progress will lie upon you”, he said.
Payinjiar community leader James Gatlong Riak said the county has been particularly hard hit by poor education policy, which forced thousands of children to seek better education in different parts of the country and abroad.
“Our children have left the county because of [the] lack of education. We need our sons and daughters who are academically [trained] to go home and make use of their knowledge to be pass[ed] to the next generation in order to make [changes] in the community”, said Riak.
Former commissioner Simon Chuol Biel urged the people of Payinjiar to let go of hatred and instead focus on the progress of the community.
He welcomed his successor and urged him to continue where he left off with unity at the forefront of his new mandate.
Gatluak Pech Dak, a lawmaker representing Payinjiar county in the state legislative assembly, equally welcomed the governor’s decision to appoint Doar as the commissioner.
He urged the newly-appointed commissioner to prioritise the needs of the communities in Payinjiar county, citing road connectivity, to improve the lives of the people in the region.
The lawmaker, however, expressed concerns that the recent cabinet reshuffle had excluded a number of representatives from Payinjiar country, leaving them powerless.
“We have no advisor, technical advisor, independent commission and director in the state government. Why is it that the governor left us out while we supported him for the next governor seat?” he said.
The commissioner has also called for unity among the Nyuong community, pledging to prioritise security and education in the county.
“Through your help, we will make the county to improve in terms of security if we cooperate together”, he said.
(ST)