Politician Jackson Abugo Gama of Yei River State contends that the controversial Establishment Order of President Salva Kiir is not divisive but rather should be welcomed by Equatorians and by all South Sudanese.

“Creation of the 28 states is not dividing the people, but rather is in fulfillment of a long dream and the ideology of the SPLM of taking towns to the people, taking development to the people, to the villages, taking services to the villages,” says Jackson, Yei River State Advisor on Political Affairs.

Jackson Abugo Gama insisted that the division of Equatoria into smaller administrative areas should not result in the division of the peoples.

“Our own unity of Central Equatorians, of Equatorians and people of the Republic of South Sudan should never be compromised. We shall strive to promote unity, to promote peace, forgiveness and reconciliation to ensure that the peace signed between the SPLM government and the SPLM in Opposition is realized in full to end the suffering of our people,” he said.

The Political Advisor also stressed the need for the governor to establish strong institutions and structures of governance to fight corruption, nepotism and tribalism.

Jackson was speaking to a Catholic radio station in Yei. He is part of the newly established administration of Yei River State, which formerly was a county of Central Equatoria State.

Yei River State is one of 28 states created by President Salva Kiir by decree but challenged as unconstitutional by a coalition of opposition parties. Monitors of the peace agreement have called the creation of the 28 states a “violation” of the peace agreement. Salva Kiir says the 28 states are the demand of the people.

The Equatorian Caucus in parliament last November split in a vote on constitutional amendments meant to help implement the Establishment Order. Some of the ruling party Equatorian MPs boycotted the sitting while others supported the amendments.

File photo: David Lokonga Moses, the new governor of 'Yei River State'