Dr Igga tells SPLM to take 2023 elections serious
The Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr James Wani Igga, has issued a call to his party members to intensify their efforts to unite the people so that the party can retain power in the 2023 elections.
Despite being optimistic about the SPLM’s victory in the upcoming elections, Dr Igga said the party leadership should begin to work for the happiness and prosperity of the people of South Sudan.
Dr Igga, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) said that it was critical for the party to work towards unity and equitable distribution of services to the citizens.
“We must first of all struggle to bring about security in South Sudan, especially here in Western Equatoria State. For this matter, focusing on Tombura County at this time; we must all struggle to do that, “he said.
“We need unity. Let us forget tribalism. If we do not bury tribalism, it will bury us. We must bury it before it buries us all over South Sudan, “Dr Igga stressed.
He was addressing senior SPLM leaders at the SPLM state secretariat in Yambio, Western Equatoria State last Saturday.
On mission
Dr Igga was in Yambio on a visit to update party members on the state of the peace process and the government’s commitment to peace implementation.
“We need to struggle with the SPLM for the peaceful co-existence of South Sudanese regardless of religion, tribe, or whatever background or colour. We must go above and beyond, especially in states where the governors are not ours; Western Equatoria State is a good example.”
“Elections are coming up next year and the first goal of any political party is to maintain power, and I want to assure you that on a level playing field, in a fair game or elections, we, the SPLM, will capture this power, but let us not take it for granted,” Igga reiterated.
He said South Sudan has been subjected to nearly 40 years of ruin, beginning with the Anyanya disaster, and the people require stability now more than ever. He added that it is time to stop conflicts everywhere, especially in Western Equatoria State, because people need stability.
The deputy chairman further directed party members to cooperate and work as a team to fight tribalism and bring stability to the state, particularly in Tombura County.
Dr. Igga urged the members to continue flying the party flag in the state, adding that it was high time for the party to implement its vision of taking towns to the people in rural areas.
Speaking at the same meeting, Jemma Nunu Kumba, the Speaker of the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly, said the SPLM national secretariat would work hand in hand with state secretariats to overcome challenges facing some states in terms of security.
She said there is a need for current members of the SPLM to work together for peace, development, and prosperity of the communities of South Sudan.
Nunu urged the leaders of the state legislature to include 35 per cent female representation at all levels of government.
In attendance were senior officials of the Western Equatoria State SPLM political bureau, Jemma Nunu Kumba, the SPLM’s temporary Chairperson in WES, Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko, State Secretary John Henry and others.
