By Hou Akot Hou
The former Minister of Youth and Sports, Albino Bol Dhieu has urged the newly appointed Governor of Northern Bahr El Gazal, Simon Uber Mawut, to avoid sectarianism and pursue a more inclusive, strategic approach to addressing the state’s challenges.
Dhieu’s remarks came during office take-over ceremony for Governor Mawut, who had replaced Tong Aken Ngor.
The former minister expressed concerns about various issues plaguing the state including delayed and cut teachers’ salaries, which he did not attribute to any specific individuals.
In his speech, Dhieu called on the new governor to take a different approach from past administrators, who he said had disproportionately favoured their kin and cut teachers’ salaries.
He also noted that many youth and vocal dissidents had been arrested for speaking out about the state’s affairs.
Dhieu urged Governor Mawut to work differently to bring about meaningful change.
He specifically highlighted the issue of certain counties, such as Ariak-Riak of Aweil East and Cimel of Aweil West, being carved into Aweil Town and designated as municipalities without proper survey and colonial administrative boundaries.
He also called on the youth to unite, promote peace and unity, and foster peaceful coexistence with neighboring states.
He expressed hope that the youth could become a beacon of cohesion, despite the political upheavals that had occurred in Aweil in the past.
In his response, Governor Mawut promised to bring on board all those who had opposed him during his tenure as deputy governor in the previous years.
He pledged to open a new chapter and avoid politicizing issues, which he acknowledged could be destructive to the people of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State.
The governor also acknowledged the challenges faced by returnees, refugees, and host communities, and said he would engage national institutions to address these pressing concerns.