Acting Northern Bahr al Ghazal Governor Salva Chol Ayat has sworn in a new girls’ education advisor, a day after refusing to do so because she was appointed by his embattled rival Caretaker Governor Kuel Aguer Kuel.
Previously, Chol, who is normally the deputy governor, would not swear in Mary Ayat because she was appointed by Kuel, who has been in Juba since last month following a controversial impeachment vote. However, Kuel appointed Mary before the impeachment vote.
“I want to apologize to my people that what happened yesterday,” Chol said at a swearing in ceremony for Mary. “What happened yesterday is wrong and a personal failure.”
“Postponement of the swearing in of the girl’s education advisor was a mistake,” he added.
Chol encouraged Mary to use her experience to help the state improve education for pupils, saying education will help Northern Bahr al Ghazal maintain peace.
The acting governor then told government officials to not speak publicly about the ongoing political power struggle in the state.
“We in council of ministers and as state legislative assembly are not allowed to reveal contested debates to public because public will interpret them in wrong ways,” he said.
Ayat said she appreciated being sworn in to her post. She said girl’s education begins at home and urged citizens to work with the education ministry to improve education in South Sudan.
Related:
Acting N. Bahr el Ghazal governor refuses to swear in new advisor (25 Feb.)
Northern Bahr el Ghazal governor makes six new cabinet appointments (31 Dec.)
Photo: Mary Ayat