The government of the now truncated Jonglei state has welcomed their new governor, SPLA Colonel Philip Aguer, the former spokesman of the national army.
President Salva Kiir in two decrees in October and December separated the Dinka Bor tribe from tribes in other parts of the state, allowing the territory of the Dinka Bor to retain the name ‘Jonglei State’.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, the information minister Jodi Jonglei Boyoris said their government under the outgoing Governor John Kong Nyuon is making preparations to receive the former SPLA top official turned top state politician.
“We as the state government are ready to receive the former SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer and he will soon come after swearing in for his office,” Jodi said.
However, Aguer was already present in Bor on Christmas on a personal leave visit, last Friday, shortly after the decree of his appointment was issued. Aguer delivered a message of peace in the church which was applauded by the congregation. He said the citizens of Jonglei State have to embrace peace and reconcile with the neighboring tribes.
“This time around is a time to bring back our people from refugee camps and nothing can bring them, it is only by peaceful co-existence with our brothers in the neighboring states and bringing development to our state,” Aguer said while clarifying that their state needs good roads, schools and good health services.
Aguer returned to Juba after a day’s visit to his home state.