The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Augustino Jadallah Wani, on Monday presided at the swearing-in ceremony of the commissioners of Terekeka and Kajo-Keji counties with a call for unity between the commissioners and citizens.
The two commissioners, Emmanuel Ladu Laku of Terekeka County and Jackson Wani Mule of Kajo-Keji County, were appointed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on 8 May, replacing George Wani Elia and David Lisi Christopher, respectively.
Governor Jadallah called on the new commissioners to use their authority wisely, with humility, accountability, and commitment to justice.
“Your success will not be measured by words but by the strength of institutions you build in your county, the services you deliver, and the trust you earn from people. Let me remind you, leadership is not a privilege, it is a duty,” he counselled. “So, as new people, go and collaborate with the security organs. In Kajo-Keji, the son of the area is the commander, and I think it is easy for you to work with him and to bring back our people from refuge.”
Jadallah also urged the commissioners to work with security organs to convince opposition forces, including the SPLM-IO, National Salvation Front (NAS), and others, to abandon rebellion and return home to work for peace.
For his part, Deputy Governor Paulino Lokudu Obede urged the new commissioner of Terekeka to work with the government to deliver services, good governance, and transparency.
“I will ask you to go and unite the people and stabilize security in Terekeka County. The strategy and the foundation of this government is to ensure that we work for the social and economic activities that can increase the lifespan of our people,” he said. “You need to go and create good neighbourliness with the bordering counties. You need to ensure that the relationship between Central Equatoria and Jonglei, and Lakes State, and the security at those borders is improved.”
Lokudu also called on the commissioner of Kajo-Keji to work to improve security and deliver services to the people.
“To the commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, you are bordering the international border of the Republic of South Sudan with Uganda. As you are going to take the responsibility, ensure that you have very good cross-border relationships between the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in Uganda,” he advised. “The majority of our people in Kajo-Keji are now refugees in Uganda. The income and production in Kajo-Keji County have reduced because the population has crossed the borders. Sometimes they cross these borders because of the insecurity that has happened.”
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Ladu Laku, commissioner of Terekeka County, pledged commitment to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including political leadership, traditional chiefs, elders, women, youths, and faith-based leaders and communities to foster peace, stability and development in their counties.
“We aim to restore trust, integrity and honour to government institutions, this is our solemn obligation,” he stated. “We pledge to uphold the highest standard of public integrity and public leadership, and from this day forward, we will work tirelessly to transform our counties into models of good governance and community resilience.”