The former vice president in charge of the Economic Cluster, James Wani Igga, has cautioned the newly appointed Central Equatoria State Governor, Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, and warned him to be vigilant against power brokers within the SPLM Party.
Speaking at the official ceremony to welcome Governor Mujung on Wednesday, Wani warned that some individuals within the party structure are known to manipulate situations to push sitting officials out of office, particularly when they feel neglected, are not supported financially, or are not appointed ministers when there are cabinet reshuffles.
“The only thing that will not allow the governor to stay longer in his position is propaganda. Issues will be created and all dumped on him,” he said. “This can take place especially when he has failed to appoint some individuals in ministerial reshuffling,” Igga said.
Wani clarified that the government institutions, especially in a state like Central Equatoria, where the majority of people are educated, cannot accommodate everyone.
“It won’t be enough for a state government like Central Equatoria to accommodate everyone because it is one of the states with a big number of educated people, and the government will not be able to take even 3 percent of the population,” he said.
The former vice president reflected on his own experience, revealing that his removal from office was orchestrated by the same group of individuals who frequently lobby for government positions.
“If you have asked for financial support and you are not given, do not go ahead and tell lies,” he charged. “This is how all our leaders were changed, and I was also changed the same way. The truth must be told.”
According to Wani, he served in various positions because he was dedicated and due to his participation in the liberation struggle. He said those who worked tirelessly for his removal will not be able to reach his position.
“I told them earlier that you people of Central Equatoria State who work for my downfall, if I am out of there, not a single one of you will come there. I went there with my means from the bush,” he stated.
His comments served as a stern reminder to the new governor about the political maneuvering that often takes place behind the scenes.
Wani also called on the governor to fight tribalism, which he said has afflicted the state government, citing the practice of new governors appointing people from their community.
For his part, Central Equatoria State Cabinet Affairs Minister Lupai Satimon called for discipline among the SPLM Party members in the state, noting that the same people who welcomed the governor with joy will be the same to advocate for his removal.
“Your excellency, governor of Central Equatoria State, you will soon be the chairperson of the SPLM Party in the state, but one thing I want to ask or echo as a son of this state is the discipline within the party. If we do not have discipline among ourselves, we will begin to de-campaign our cadres.”