The newly appointed county commissioner of Maridi County on Friday took office, nearly three weeks after the state caretaker governor issued a decree relieving his predecessor Wilson Thomas from office.

The new commissioner Ismail Fatalah arrived in Maridi on Friday and held a rally with the citizens of Maridi on Saturday. In his speech he said, “My priority is security. This insecurity of Maridi will end, God willing.”

“Civilians who are still in the bush should return to their homes, markets and schools are to reopen from today,” he said. He further warned soldiers who are not on duty not to move in uniform and armed in town and he banned cutting of trees for timber in the county.

Ismail added that he is going to start work from where the former commissioner ended and he further called for cooperation in all sectors saying his office will be open to everyone to meet him.