By Yang Ater Yang
Lakes State Governor Gen. Madhang Majok Meen has sworn in newly appointed cabinet members, county commissioners, and members of independent commissions, urging them to prioritise service delivery, security, and the interests of citizens.
The officials took their oaths of office on Monday following their appointment to various positions in the state government.
Among those sworn in were Asunta Bawuda James, Advisor on Political Affairs; Gideon Kerdul Chol, Advisor on Legal Affairs; Makuac John Rong, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Rafael Bang Mayor, Minister of Information and Communication; and Santino Adong Keloktuol, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
Others included Moses Dhukpuou Maper, Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities; Dhuor Akoon Deng, Minister of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development; and Gabriel Maluac Yak, Minister of General Education and Instruction.
Madit Malual Kachuol was sworn in as deputy chairperson of the Employees Justice Chamber.
Mabor Paul Koordit was appointed Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, alongside Mary Amer Maker, as a member of the commission. Job Alawei Manyot was sworn in as chairperson of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission.
The new county commissioners include Mapuor Malek Malual for Rumbek East County, John Biliu Awuol for Rumbek North County, Makuei Achinkoch Mabor for Yirol West County, and Biar Dhieu Akujang for Awerial County.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Madhang reminded the newly appointed officials that government positions are not permanent and that public servants can be appointed or removed from office at any time.
“We are not permanent. We have to concentrate and not betray our people of South Sudan headed by Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the people of Lakes State in particular,” the governor said.
He explained that the newly appointed officials have different responsibilities, with cabinet members expected to focus on development and service delivery, while county commissioners are primarily responsible for security management.
Governor Madhang cautioned the officials against abusing their positions, saying their appointments were made to serve the people of Lakes State and South Sudan.
“You are our source of life and development. Don’t go and misuse the position you have. You have attained it for the people of Lakes State as well as the people of South Sudan,” he said.
The governor also urged the new officials to put aside political affiliations and concentrate on delivering services to citizens.
“There are no political parties, and we are people of Lakes State. We have come here to serve the people in terms of service delivery,” he said.
Governor Madhang assured residents that his administration would continue working to improve the lives of people across Lakes State.
He also called on media houses in the state to ensure that information is verified before publication to prevent misinformation and disinformation.
“I am here to join hands with media houses and anybody in the ministry so that we work together as a team for the betterment of Lakes State,” he said.
The governor further pledged to cooperate with media organisations operating in the state, saying his office would remain open for engagement and discussions on challenges affecting both the government and the media.
He encouraged journalists to work with authorities while maintaining accurate and responsible reporting in the interest of the public.