Governor Louis Lobong (Centre) swearing in the caretaker ministers and advisors in Torit [©Gurtong]
By Peter Lokale Nakimangole
TORIT, 17th February 2012 [Gurtong] – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State (EES), Hon. Louis Lobong Lojore has cautioned his caretaker Ministers not to relax in their short assignments but to work hard and deliver services to the people of EES.
The Governor was addressing the caretaker Ministers, Advisors and their deputies last Wednesday at the Council of Ministers’ conference hall in Torit after swearing in 4 cabinet officials;
1. Alphonse Muras Chacha - Advisor on Political Affairs, Peace and Reconciliation,
2. Patrick Lodinga Kotein -Advisor on Social Services,
3. Sam Felix Makuja -State Minister of Health
4. Charles Rino Atul Gabriel - State Commissioner for Headquarters as caretakers in their respective portfolios.
Hon. Lobong was furious that some of the caretaker ministers had become relaxed by “sitting under trees” in Torit town leaving their duties unattended to as obliged.
He warned them that should they continue with the same behaviour, it would discourage him from possibly reappointing some of them in the coming cabinet formation.
“Am evidently told some of the caretaker ministers have become relaxed, idly sitting under trees around Torit town. I don’t understand why? Is it sabotage or what? You should stop such practice immediately because it is time to deliver better services to your people while awaiting the formation of a new Government,” the Governor said.
On 30th January 2012, the EES Governor swore his Deputy, one Advisor, 12 Ministers and 6 County Commissioners as caretakers.
This served to renew their commitments in undertaking their new respective assignments even though they are not allowed to take major contractual decisions pending future reorganization of the State Government after the ongoing wide consultations are completed.
Governor Lobong has since then announced to form a Government based on individuals’ merits and experiences, “I need a cabinet that delivers and performs far better than the present one. I need those who are competent to toil and deliver better services,” Governor Lobong said.
He also urged MPs and State citizens to help identify competent people to join the upcoming administration so as to deliver services based on their interests.