The government of so-called Maridi State of Western Equatoria in South Sudan on Wednesday swore in a deputy governor, three advisors and seven cabinet ministers at the Maridi county headquarters hall.

The deputy governor Samuel Bati Michael who spoke on behalf of the newly appointed cabinet thanked the appointed governor Africano Mande for his trust.

Samuel said they are aware that the newly appointed cabinet is not the best among all the sons and daughters of Maridi state as there are hundreds or even thousands of more educated, talented, and experienced sons and daughters of Maridi state working in other states.

He advised the newly appointed cabinet to make no personal or ethnic conflict with the governor if at some point they were relieved from their position.

Africano expressed his gratitude to Salva Kiir, the SPLM party, and the Maridi assembly for approving and passing the cabinet.

The governor also thanked the people of Maridi state for their patience in the slow formation of the cabinet. He said the appointment of the cabinet was a slow and well thought out process using all the constitutional instruments for the appointment of the cabinet.

He said the people of Maridi expect performance from the appointed cabinet and that leaders should collectively work to uphold unity and the constitution.

Africano further says Maridi will not have the same luxuries as Western Equatoria due to financial challenges. He told the cabinet to recognize the slogan to do more with less.

File photo: Africano Mande