By Nicholas Osobi,
Opinion
June 27th, 2018 (Nyamilepedia) — Barely a week after shocking the nation with an anti-peace comment, a senior figure in the regime opens up on why his colleague (Makuei) made such bizarre remarks during televised interview last week.
“We don’t want Juba to be deserted. We want our people to live in peace and harmony. Riek Machar should wait for elections and that is our position,” the South Sudanese information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth told the state-owned SSBC television on Thursday.
But according to the official who preferred anonymity, the half-baked lawyer wasn’t sober and that his remarks about the rebel leader neither represent the position of the government nor that of the president.
He hesitantly disclosed that Makuei had some glasses of Vodka prior to the interview and that an effort to differ the interview was unsuccessful because the media crew were impatient and were on Makuei’s neck.
“My colleague wasn’t ready for an interview. He was a bit over the limit (drunk) but the journalists kept pressuring him,” the senior official claimed, attributing the folly to the journalists for being a bit pushy and not giving enough time for Makuei to sober up before appearing on the national television.
Asked, why the government has not come out to clarify its position if Makuei’s comment was unfounded, he said silence speaks volumes and that the ball is still rolling. In contrast Kiir seemed to have expressed willingness to work with Riek Machar as opposed to what his information minister had said, promising cooperation for common good.
“I came here with an open mind and I hope my brother Riek Machar has also come to do the same in order to stop the suffering of our people,” President Kiir said.
However, slogan of working together and translating it into action are two different things. In 2016 similar verbal promises later, turned into bloody conflict. Maybe this time with pressure from regional powers the two leaders may reluctantly accept to put their differences aside and focus on genuine peace.
Michael Makuei’s appetite for whisky is not a new thing. While in Ethiopia for Peace Talks, the arrogant government mouth piece and his colleagues were always sighted on drinking spree. They would excuse themselves from time to time just to get some sips and in the evening hours, indulge in adulterous acts.
Last month, Mama Rebecca and Dr. Majak Agot, took the challenge upon themselves to restore senses in Michael Makuei Lueth, and the duo begged him to put the nation first over distilled beverages but by look of things their advice landed on thorny ground and got chocked.
Nicholas Osobi is a Revolutionary Columnist, he can be reached through his 1email at nicholas.osobi@columnist.com
