Yei River state governor vows to prioritise security

March 7, 2016 (YEI) -The governor of South Sudan’s Yei River state, Moses Lokonga has vowed to prioritise security, warning those intending to disrupt peace to stay away.

According to the governor, intelligence information indicated that some individuals were mobilising and wanted to create insecurity in Yei River.

“I have heard that there are some people planning to carry out insecurity in my territory. I don’t want any of my citizens to get involved and be deceived by people who want to cause problems in our area. Yei is a peaceful place. I don’t want anything to do with bloodshed here”, he said.

Lokonga vowed to deal with anyone who attempts to cause havoc in Yei.

The official urged citizens to concentrate on implementing the peace deal signed by Pesident Salva Kiir and the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar.

“Why is that there are some elements wanting to drag us back to the bush instead of coming to the town and focusing on development?” he asked.

Lokonga said the creation of the 28 states in the world’s youngest nation was intended to bring services closer to the South Sudanese population.

“Late Dr. John Garang’s vision of taking towns and services closer to the citizens has become a reality. I have come to deliver services to my people and there is no need for the people of Yei to go to Juba looking for the government. I have my full cabinet, including members of parliament who are ready to deliver services to the people,” he stressed.

Lokonga, on the other hand, assured the citizens that his government had obtained 20 tractors from the national government to boost agriculture.

“We have been complaining of lack of food from time to time, but today I need to assure you that it’s time for all of us to go to the rural areas and begin investing in agriculture as an alternative to fighting food insecurity in the country,” said the governor, while cautioning the youth in drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the Yei Catholic Bishop Arikolano Ladu Tombe appeals to the state government to prioritise peace and deliver services to the people.

“We are happy that the Government is now closer to us, no more going to Juba in search of nationality cards and others services. We as a church will work hand in hand with the government in ensuring that services are better rendered to the people,” said Bishop Tombe.

“We don’t want to hear there is insecurity in the town and on our high ways”, he added.

(ST)