(Above, from left, foreground) Denis Lasuba, Yei commissioner, deputy governor Kiri Gwolo (centre) and Governor David Lokonga (right) during the swearing-in ceremony.
The new deputy governor of Yei River State Augustino Kiri Gwolo and two other county commissioners have been sworn into office.
Deputy Governor Kiri Gwolo replaced Abraham Wana Yoane, who declared allegiance to the armed opposition group nearly two months ago. Kiri Gwolo was former commissioner of Lainya. He has been replaced by Eresto Taban Luate.
The new commissioner of Yei River County, Denis Lasuba, replaced Bidali Cosmas Wori-Kojo, who recently defected with three other local officials.
The swearing-in ceremony was chaired by state governor, David Lokonga Moses, who invited state officials, local citizens, church leaders and local chiefs to the state secretariat on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, Kiri Gwolo said his administration will work tirelessly to restore peace in the state for citizens to receive the necessary basic services and for the development of a conducive environment.
He called on citizens of the state to denounce violence in order to save lives and foster national reconstruction.
“We can give an environment to our people, where children can once again go to school, choirs can sing in the churches, and women and old people can stay in their homes,” he said.
Commissioner Denis Lasuba of Yei County pledged to work with state authorities and citizens to ease the people’s insecurity, which has led to blocking of several roads, which has hindered the travel of people.
“I think that this is very important. It is through such actions that it can help us build roads of communication,” he said.
State Governor David Lokonga Moses admitted that Yei river state is bleeding from the insecurity. He urged armed opposition groups to stop using violence as a way to solve their grievances.
He said some defections of state and local officials were personal decisions, and he advised the new officials and his cabinet to mobilize the people and unite them to reconstruct the state.
Bishop Hillary Luate Adeba of Yei Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan (ECSSS) urged the leaders to make restoring peace a priority.
“There is an urgent need for internal peace in Yei town. It is very important because it will build confidence in your leadership and will make the remaining people of Yei stay put,” Luate said.