August 09, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Speaking during a presidential lunch at J-One, organized by the First Lady Mary Ayen, President Salva Kiir reiterates his rejection for appointment of Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony as the governor of Upper Nile State.
The lunch was organize to host senior government officials, religious leaders and constitutional post holders.
In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Presidential Affairs Nhial Deng Nhial said, the First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit thought of inviting all the government officials for a luncheon at the Presidential Palace as an opportunity to come together, interact and share ideas on how to better provide services to the people of South Sudan.
According to Ateny Wek Ateny, president Kiir said he is not scared of war but he does not want to return the country to war.
“President Salva Kiir also urged Dr. Riek Machar to nominate another person besides Johnson Olony for the Governorship of Upper Nile State.” Press Secretary Ateny Wek said.
“President Salva Kiir stated that he does not want conflict again in the country, not because he is scared, but he does not want any innocent lives to be lost again in conflict.” Ateny Wek continued.
The First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, applauded the First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit for organizing the event and bringing together government officials to eat and share ideas; however, the leader of the main opposition faction, SPLM/A(IO), who nominated his Sector One Commander Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, for Upper Nile ignored Kiir’s political statement.
“Dr. Riek added that the luncheon is an indication that we have accepted Corona virus and must find a way of living with it.” Ateny Wek reports.
Machar may not have wanted to spoil the delicious lunch for the politicians by responding to president Kiir’s dictatorial terms; however, the issue of Upper Nile remains a sticking bomb for the fragile South Sudan peace agreement which has stagnated since its signing on September 12, 2018.
The other nine governors and three administrators have been appointed as nominated by their parties, however, no seriousness has been demonstrated at both National and State levels.
The transitional government of national unity is yet to resolve and form new Revitalized Transitional Legislative Assemblies both in Juba and also in the states.
Several warnings have been issued by the regional bloc IGAD, TROIKA and the international community over these tactical delayments but the J-One incumbents seem to be taking their time.
