The Governor of Lakes State assured Church leaders gathering in Rumbek that security will be beefed up during the referendum period.
Chol Tong Mayay told the congregation during the opening mass at the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ plenary in Rumbek that security will be beefed up in his state and the referendum will be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, Good News Radio reported.Eng. Tong said the citizens of Lakes State have already decided which option to take at the referendum, adding that they were choosing between being first class or second class citizens.
The governor assured that people were free to campaign for either unity or separation.
Eng. Tong acknowledged the work of the Church in Southern Sudan, and especially in Lakes State, citing the various learning institutions established and managed by the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek and some religious institutes.
He expressed appreciation for the role of the Church advocating for Southern Sudan at the international arena as the semi-autonomous region prepares for its referendum.
The relationship between the Church and the State is considered vitally important during the time when the Southern Sudanese people are facing a choice of a lifetime through the referendum.