The authorities of Lakes State have appealed to all South Sudanese to get rid of tribalism and sectarianism and embrace unity.
Lakes State Deputy Governor Daniel Ayual Makoi made the appeal on Saturday while addressing thousands who turned up at Rumbek’s Freedom Square to celebrate Martyrs’ Day.The Deputy Governor called on the citizens of the new nation to cultivate a sense of nationalism and recognize themselves first of all as South Sudanese.
He urged the leaders of political parties and other social groupings to resist the temptation of dividing people along what he called narrow sectarian lines, advocating for unity in diversity.
He added that it was unity that gave independence to South Sudan.
Mr. Ayual called on the South Sudanese leadership to work hard to essential social services including health, education, water and sanitation, food, security and infrastructural development.
He reiterated the call for a united nation in harmony and prosperity urging the citizens to sing one song: We are all South Sudanese.
Martyrs’ Day is celebrated in memory of Dr. John Garang de Mabior who died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005.
The day commemorates all heroes and heroines who died during the over 50 years of struggle for freedom of South Sudanese.