A Lakes State youth representative Joseph Akot Mabor. [Gurtong/ Gabriel Mayom]
By Gabriel Mayom
RUMBEK, 20 May 2012 [Gurtong] – Speaking at a thanksgiving rally at Rumbek Police Club in the state capital Rumbek, the youth affirmed their support for Governor Chol Tong Mayay’s government.
They said the appointment of three youth into the cabinet was a great achievement since the establishment of the state government in 2005.
A youth representative, Joseph Akot Mabor said the state’s youth have unanimously agreed to soften their opposition of the state government in a bid to promote development.
“The youth have always been known for criticising the government even when positive results are evident. We have always seen the government as badly run and full of corruption. But from today we are going to support the government since some of our own are now there and we will support them”, said Mabor.
He urged the youthful ministers to apply fresh ideas and renewed efforts now that they sit in the very cabinet they had previously opposed.
“We believe that Governor Chol Tong Mayay had a vision for empowering the youth and women as stipulated in his manifesto for 2010 election campaign. This is justified following the appointment of the three youth and a woman as Physical Infrastructure Minister. You have renewed our hopes which has regenerated the energy in us to engage in development activities instead of politicking.” he added.
The leader of the `Lakes State Youth Open Parliament` Yol Akol Yol declared the immediate closure of the under-the-tree outfit, saying the youth had now joined the government.
“We are happy that the state government has recognised our importance in running the affairs of this state. We will support the new ministers and prepare them for more opportunities come the 2015 general elections”, he said.
Governor Mayay urged the youth to practice mature politics, saying engaging in politics at an early age requires great wisdom.
He also urged the state residents to support the government as it spearheads development and application of the rule of law.
“The time to work is here as we seek to fulfil the 2010 pre-election pledges we made to our people. Let us join hands together to build a better Lakes State with sound policies and zero tolerance for corruption”, he said.
Early this month, Governor Mayay appointed three youth to head the ministries of Information and Communication, Animal Resources and Fisheries and that of Rural
Development.