This week, one of the pressing newscasts that sparked endless uproar and intense debate on social media is Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth’s recent political tour to Maiwut and Longechuk counties. The two counties are located in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, and are predominantly inhabited by the Gaatjaak Section of the Nuer people, to which Ezekiel be
Ezekiel was recently appointed by Salva Kiir as the Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development. Since his appointment, Ezekiel has engaged in deceptive political rhetoric that involves the intentional use of lying, omission, distortion, or misinformation to appease Salva Kiir Mayardit. He gave empty promises during his speech.
calling upon the people who fled to camps in Ethiopia to return home, stating, “We do not want any son of the Gaatjaak to lose his life again.” While he was the one who ordered fighting to rekindle in Gaatjaak territory, especially at Udier and Mathiang.
He announced that the construction at a school and a hospital in Maiwut will begin next week, questioning, “How is it that Maiwut lacks proper hospitals when you have a son like me in the government?” Ezekiel was the petroleum minister and did not build a single school or hospital in Maiwut and Longechuk; he built hotels for himself and his brother in Gambella, Ethiopia.
He also utters community cooperation, he added, “One hand cannot clap by itself. Do your part, and I will do mine. I do not know how to lie; let us start working now.” If Ezekiel doesn’t lie, is the denial of the killing of the Nuer people in South Sudan not a lie? Ezekiel also urged residents to practice agricultural foresight, asking, “Why don’t you plant fruit trees instead of trees that bear no fruit? You should plant mangoes and avocados. I will bring mango seeds from Ethiopia” before he concluded with a political rallying cry: “What I want to tell the entire Gaatjaak Community is that we are going to vote for President Salva Kiir Mayardit, because we are heading to elections this December 2026.”
Furthermore, he went so far as to make controversial remarks during the SPLM Youth League meeting in Juba. He redefined the traditional concept of ethnicity and tribal loyalty by emphasizing financial dependency, asserting that “The one who is taking care of you, who is paying you, this is your tribe. Our tribe is Salva Kiir.” He and other Nuer officials who are serving in Salva Kiir’s government denied the fact that the Nuer ethnic society had never been targeted by the Dinka-dominated government in South Sudan.
In reality, Ezekiel’s rhetoric during his recent deceitful campaign tour to Maiwut and Longechuk counties clearly identified him as a pure sycophant and a fawning stooge who is worshiping Salva Kiir as a demigod and encourages others to worship his boss. Can followers worship their bosses/leaders as Ezekiel portrayed and encouraged others to do? The answer is absolutely no! Followers cannot scripturally worship their bosses or leaders, given the fact that leaders who act as if their followers exist to serve, bow, and worship them are denounced as worthless leaders. Leaders who are held in high esteem are individuals who prioritize empowerment, humility, and service to their followers. Ultimately, leadership is earned by serving others rather than demanding adoration.
Gaatjaak citizens are not forgetful. They still remember the horrors and indiscriminate killing of the Gaatjaak or massacre of civilians by the SPLA between 1985 and 1987. In addition to the mass displacement, looting of cattle, and burning of villages across Gaatjaak land. These are clear historical facts that individuals in their right mind cannot easily forget.
In summing up, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth’s recent tour to Longechuk and Maiwut counties has drawn intense scrutiny, reflecting deep political polarization in South Sudan. His rhetoric has significantly qualified him to be a clear sycophant and stooge. He is talking like a beheaded person, according to the Naath proverb. He is entitled to his own opinion, not the entire Gaatjaak Community. The rhetoric is pathetic!
Respectively,
The writer is a political commentator. He can be reached via lulgatluak09@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.
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