The former governor of the defunct Western Lakes State, Abraham Makoi Bol Kodi, is dead, a medical doctor said.
Dr Monde Ater Kuar confirmed on Tuesday that Makoi died of heart attack at the Rumbek State Hospital on Monday evening.
The deceased also served as MP in the Lakes State Assembly and as State Minister for Local Government. He also had a stint as the Commissioner for Rumbek Central.
Dr Kuar told Radio Tamazuj that Makoi had checked in at his clinic for chest pains, which he examined and referred him to Juba for further care.
“He came to my clinic and declared chest pain on the right side and when I examined him, the blood pressure was so low. I gave him an IV fluid then advised him to go to Juba for further care,” he said.
Dr Kuar said Makoi seemed to be getting well but probably later in the evening suffered a more severe attack that caused his death.
SPLM State Secretary for Information Thon Makur said that the party secretariat in Lakes State had learnt about the sudden death of Makoi.
He said the news had shocked Makoi’s comrades and the people of Lakes State in general.
“On behalf of the people and the SPLM secretariat, I hereby convey our heartfelt condolences to the constituency, the Nyang’ community, and the immediate family of the late Abraham Makoi Bol Kodi during this tragic moment of losing their son, father and a leader,” Makur said.
He said Makoi fought vigorously in the liberation struggle, and worked tirelessly as minister for Local Government and as a law enforcement agent in Lakes State.
The SPLM official disclosed that a seven-man committee had started arranging for the burial of Makoi.
Makoi’s body, Makur disclosed further, had been preserved at a funeral home and the arrangements for the final rites would start in two days.