The Eastern Equatoria State Islamic Council over the weekend dissolved its executive body and appointed a new one.
An executive order signed by Secretary General Sheikh Awad Omer Okot which Radio Tamazuj has seen, removed the old executives and appointed Sheikh Hassen Ismail Lomoro as the first deputy secretary general, Sheikh Salah Mohamud Fazari, secretary for administration affairs and finance and Awkaf, and Sheikh Saabit Abu Regain Valentino, Secretary for Dawa and Education.
The executive order also appointed Sheikh Hanin Khalil Khamis, assistant secretary for Zakaa, Hajj, and Umrah, Sheikh Hasnen Lokale Lopir, assistant secretary for information and public relations, Sheikh Juma Laku Samuel, assistant secretary for planning and project affairs, Sheikh Omer Loseke Lamor, assistant secretary for NGOs and public health activities and Sheika Rukhia Benin Kudi, assistant secretary for gender and social welfare.
Sheikh Okot said it is routine to appoint new executives to serve the Muslim community and that the old body made of 18 members was too large.
“This move happens in every institution. Some people are weak in their duty that is why I made changes and the purpose is for us to put things in action as people who are active in running the council to render services to the community,” he explained. “These changes are not bad and they happen everywhere so it also gives a chance to other people. It does not mean that those who have been removed cannot render what is needed but we also decided that a chance be given to others to serve. The number of executives was 18 but we have reduced it to 8 members.”
For his part, Sheikh Hasnen Lokali Lopir, the newly appointed secretary for information and public relations, welcomed his appointment and lauded the leadership for the love bestowed upon him.
“I give thanks to the secretary general and the entire state at large. The executive order is good and in our plan, we shall commit to serving the entire State and hopefully, we shall deliver,” he stated. “We as the executive shall be performing our tasks and duties within the law and what the state demands and within what the national secretary general in Juba expects us to do. We shall try our best to work development in the mighty name of Allah.”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Rukhia Benin, the assistant secretary general for gender and social welfare, applauded the leadership for trusting her and said she would work diligently.
“I strongly want to strengthen the role of women and create awareness among women on various things they do not know and request we cooperate as one body,” she said.
On his part, Sheikh Hanin Khalil Khamis, the former assistant secretary general for Dawa and Iftah, welcomed the changes but said they were not consulted.
“This is something normal for us and people can be changed without their knowledge and it is normal to us all. Those appointed should try their best because everybody has their luck,” he said. “We do not have any problem and we pray that God leads them to serve the people of Eastern Equatoria. There is nothing wrong about this because you can be relieved any time and nobody should feel bad about the changes.”