Kidega Livingstone
Government officials in prominent roles often prioritize personal gains due to the uncertainty surrounding their positions.
Minister of Presidential Affairs, Joseph Bangasi Bakosoro expressed his concern during the inauguration ceremony of NilePet Headquarters in Juba on Saturday.
“If you change me today only within one month and another person comes, he or she knows that he is going within one month. What will happen? I collect everything and go because I know I am going within one month,” he stressed.
Bakosoro said that frequent and unnecessary changes in government positions have encouraged corruption, hindering the country’s development.
The minister noted that due to job insecurity, these officials amass wealth and resources at the expense of institutions, impeding advancement of the government system.
“So, in a way, there is no job security for everybody When there is no job security, there is no progress. You can progress when we give you a chance to exercise your ability,” he said.
However, Bakosoro advised the officials at Nilepet to embrace any changes that may occur within their positions, emphasizing the importance of such changes for the institution’s development.
“I don’t believe in radical and unnecessary changes because we are all one people in South Sudan. Even one ethnic group can be in a position but do the right thing for the country. I will go with you; therefore, changes are coming. Accept the changes; it is for your good and the organization, and then we keep going,” he said.
Bakosoro further noted that while changes can yield positive or negative outcomes, they must be accepted.
“If you fall victim, accept them, and if you are there, accept them. Let the work continue to move forward.”
He urged government officials not to celebrate the changes themselves but rather the achievements they have accomplished following a change.
“We should celebrate success; therefore, changes are coming. Accept those changes; we cannot change automatically, but we are trying to balance the equation.”
He emphasized the need for government employees to develop a strong vision, particularly those working for Nilepet, to eventually take over South Sudan.
“We must work hard; we must change our mindset from corruption, mismanagement, and laziness to hard work. All of you here, some of you only want to eat; you must work to eat,” he said.