OPINION: Call for Retaining the Current Commissioner as a People Centred Leader of Yei River County

As we look to the future of Yei River County, I believe it’s time we reflect on where our leadership is heading its direction, its presence, and most importantly, how connected it is to the people on the ground. I want to start by appreciating the current Commissioner of Yei River County. His boldness, energy, and forward thinking ideas have brought renewed hope to many of us as Yeians. He’s begun to shift how governance is viewed in our county toward something more visionary, more inclusive, and more focused on results. But I must say this clearly, leadership is not only about dreaming, It’s about presence. It’s about walking side by side with the people, listening to their concerns, and being accountable for real change. Vision without presence is like a farmer who plants seeds but never returns to water them. The Commissioner was not appointed to serve the Governor, he was entrusted to serve us, the people of Yei. As a citizen and as someone who lives and farms in this land, I believe it is our right and duty to engage our leaders, ask questions, and help shape the future we want to see. This is not about opposition, it’s about partnership and progress towards our Yei we want. I call on the Commissioner to spend more time in our payams and bomas and sub-bomas to be where the people are. Peace, unity, and security cannot be cultivated from offices in Juba in the middle of fans and ACs. They must be built from within our communities, through dialogue, cooperation, and consistent leadership on the ground. As someone who works the land every day to ensure that I am food secure, I also urge the Commissioner to prioritize agriculture. It is our county’s backbone our source of food, income, and stability and I know firsthand what agriculture can do to lift families and restore dignity. If we want lasting development, we must put our soil and farmers first in any step of our duty call. I’m not blind to the challenges in front of the commissioner. Balancing local responsibilities with state and national directives is no easy task. But leadership demands that we remain rooted, present, and accountable even when the road is difficult. This year, I strongly urge the Commissioner to extend a formal invitation to H.E. President General. Salva Kiir Mayardit, through the Governor, to visit Yei River County. The President once stood with us during the liberation struggle in Yei. Now, I believe he should returnnot just as a symbolic gesture, but to see firsthand the strength and resilience of the people of Yei. To our community Leaders, let me be very clear here that the politics of division, and the use of communities for selfish gain, must end with 2024. * Our people are not stepping stones. * Our voices should never be used as tools for personal ambition. * We deserve leadership that puts service before self. To our Commissioner, I appreciate the direction you are taking, you have inspired many. However hope must be matched with consistent action. I respectfully challenge you to lead with humility, to stay close to the people, and to build a legacy rooted in presence and accountability. You have the opportunity to be remembered not just as a leader with great ideas but as one who delivered, and did so hand in hand with the people. Yei River County is ready for transformation and I believe that transformation must be built on unity, community by leadership that listens.

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The writer is an Agricultural Revolutionist and Concerned Citizen of Yei River County and can be reached at: emmanueltaban[at]gmail.com

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