Abraham Gum Makuac, governor of the newly created Gogrial State, has appointed his new deputy, putting an end to lobbying for appointment to the position among politicians in the area.

According to his order, the governor appointed Santino Akot Abiem Akeen as his deputy. Akot was contesting for the position against Achol Chier Rehan, former minister of education in the state and a close political ally and family friend to President Salva Kiir’s family.

Caretaker Information Minister Ariech Mayar Ariech welcomed the appointment of the deputy governor and congratulated him for winning trust of the governor to appoint him. Ariech said he hoped the governor would also appoint Achol as the cabinet minister.

“Congratulations Honourable Santino Akot Abiem Akeen for winning the trust of Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Gum Makuac, governor of Gogrial State. Eventually, this is how politics of competition over one position goes. It takes one person as it happened.”

“As such, there is no regret but appreciations to our colleague appointed and wishing the veteran politician Madam Achol Achol Chier who narrowly lost the seat to win the confidence of our governor and be part of our cabinet of Gogrial state,” said Ariech in a statement.