South Sudan, Upper Nile state: Newly-appointed governor, William Othon, assumed his duties on Monday

Photo: Maj. Gen. Gatluak Deng, Governor of UNS with H.H the Shuluk King (Rath) in his Royal headquarters of Alak, Upper Nile, March 22, 2008. (T. Thok- ST) (Source: Sudan Tribune, Nov. 30, 2009 - Newly appointed Upper Nile state Governor assumes office

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From Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 30 November 2009:

(Malakal) - The former Governor of Upper Nile state, lieutenant-general Gatluak Deng Garang, says he has officially resigned from the National Congress Party.

The newly-appointed governor, Dr. William Othon, assumed his duties on Monday.

Lieutenant-general Garang was appointed governor of Upper Nile state in February last year by the National Congress Party, to replace Dak Duop Bishok.

Garang told a press conference in Malakal on Monday that he is returning to the army and will not join any political party in Sudan.

[Gatluak Deng Garang]: “I will continue my career in the Sudan Armed Forces as a soldier. But to end my service in this ugly and unhappy way after 31 years, shows that unity is not attractive. I don’t believe what has happened and it’s unbelievable for others but that is the way it is. Dear colleagues and friends, I announce today on 30 November 2009 my resignation from the National Congress Party and I hand over the duties to the new chairman of the party and I thank President al-Bashir. I appreciated serving with him and you should know if it was not for al-Bashir, many would not have joined the National Congress Party.”

Garang called on his supporters in the NCP to leave the party and he urged southern Sudanese to unite.

[Gatluak Deng Garang]: “If there are people in NCP because of me or my friends and relatives, let them leave the party. You southerners should guard against greed and jealousy which are the enemies of peace and stability. Unite, because there is power in unity and defend yourselves and the resources of southern Sudan. You should work for the poor and weakest citizens. We should all work together in memory of our martyrs.”

The former governor of Upper Nile, lieutenant-general Gatluak Deng Garang, was speaking at a press conference in Malakal on Monday.