The governor of Imatong State Nartisio Loluke Manir says chiefs need to play an important role in South Sudan in the coming period, vowing to work closely with them.

Speaking to press in Juba on Tuesday after a meeting with the president, Nartisio said he will work to empower them by recruiting some personnel to protect them and provide sources of income for them.

He said that the protection of the chiefs is important because many of them have been killed at the hands of criminals during the performance of their work. He said his plan is to enlist about 20 sons of each area to be trained and armed by the police to protect chiefs.

Imatong's new governor also anticipated a role for chiefs in tax collection on behalf of the state government. He said he would work with those chiefs in order to return them to their old prestige and status.

Separately, Nartisio said he will reform state institutions, beginning a fight against corruption. The state would review all contracts with the state, he pointed out.