By Yiep Joseph
Commissioner of Juba County, Emmanuel Tete, has urged citizens to seize the recent extension period as an opportunity to foster peace and unity in the community.
Tete made his appeal during a funeral service for late Christopher Sebit over the weekend, where he emphasized that the extension should be viewed as a chance for citizens to strengthen their commitment to peace and solidarity.
His remarks come amid ongoing criticism from citizens regarding the government’s decision to extend both the transitional period and the election timeline to 2026.
Tete acknowledged the criticism, the recent extension of the government has attracted, however, he called on the citizens to embark on peace and reconciliation.
He expressed that the recent decision was not intended to make leaders stay in power but was intended to ensure that the peace agreement is implemented and the country goes for a peaceful election.
“I would like to highlight the progress of peace in our country; the election has been postponed for the next two years, and many people are speculating that the government extended the election to remain in power. This is not true.” The commissioner denounced in the statement.
He outlined that the financial crisis and unimplemented tasks as some of the challenges that made the government approve extension as the best option.
Commissioner Tete pointed out that inadequate funding surfaced as a main reason why the election was not conducted but rather extended to 2026.
“Without sufficient financial resources, it is impossible to conduct a fair and credible election,” he said.
He urged the residents in the county to embark on peace, adding that peace enhances other processes like development.
The commissioner urged residents to continue to be patient and support each other to build a strong society that focuses on development.
In a separate remark during the same event, the Mayor of Juba City, Johnson Swaka, called on the citizens to support one another.
He appealed to the friends and colleagues of the late Christopher Sebit to continue offering support to his family.