The newly appointed Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), Gola Boyoi Gola, sacked the deputy he inherited from his predecessor and named a new cabinet on Wednesday.
This is Gola’s second comeback as chief administrator, having served in the position for a few months before being sacked last October.
In a decree read on the local Pibor 90.3 FM radio on Wednesday night, Gola appointed Ogebe Ochan as his deputy, replacing John Joseph Abulla.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, John Hakim Tenychar, the head of protocol in Gola’s office, said advisors, ministers, and county commissioners, among other officials, were appointed.
“Arrangements are underway for the swearing in of these appointed officials next Monday. I believe the chief administrator wants more time to have his entire government formed,” he said.
Gola appointed the following advisors: Baba Panum Monthak, security; Beko Konyi Longolyo, political affairs; Guzule Yar Korok, economic affairs; Alfred Omot Agada, peace and reconciliation; and Nura Stephen Lokine, gender advisor.
Cabinet ministers:
1. Nyakiyako Yousef-Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement
2. Jacob Werchum Juok-Minister of Information and Communication
3. Hassen Ismail Konyi-Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
4. Jay Adingora Alual-Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Animal Resources
5. Gabriel Amakori Thanko-Minister of Physical Infrastructure
6. Baba Issac Nyathi-Minister of Mining, Wildlife Conservation, and Tourism
7. Butrous Ochalla Wello-Minister of General Education and Instruction
8. James Chacha Konyi-Minister of Health and Environment
9. James Omot Okach-Minister of Labor, Public Service, and Human Resources
10. Elizabeth Kumen Teny-Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare
11. Paul Barbolo Menalem-Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports
Gola also appointed John Kaka Amor as Pibor County commissioner and Peter Kuzuz Nganjuk as Verthet County commissioner.
Achon John Kolobeyo was appointed chairperson of the Public Health and HIV/AIDS Commission.
The new chief administrator also named Kabacha Ole Konyi as the Commissioner General of the local revenue authority, Jiji Nyathu Lopole, Deputy Commissioner General, and John Agut kiki, Executive Director of the revenue authority.
At the finance ministry, Joseph Keziwo Meroni was appointed Director for Administration and Finance.
Jacob Werchum Juok, the new information minister, welcomed his reappointment; “I am back as information minister, and we will take oath of office next week.”
A resident of Pibor, Nyany Korok said the new government is inclusive and much is anticipated.
“This government has been welcomed. From previous government, there are five to six appearances such as those of public service, agriculture, gender, and youth ministers. Additionally, the peace advisor is from previous government,” he said. “So, there is no room for genuine opposition to this government. I believe this government has the backing of the people because Gola was publicly welcomed and with capable cadres now appointed, hopes are high.”
Korok added: “As a young leader, our expectations are high that he will effect change.”