By Luk Kuth Dak
May 7, 2010 (SSNA) — With the political climate still simmering in Sudan, it’s hard to predict what will unfold in the next few weeks when the government of the national unity is sworn in. But a rumor has it that the renowned kingpin of defection disgraced Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, the Chairman of the so-called SPLM DC; will soon sit at the helm of the ministry of foreign affairs, a position he once held in 2005, even though he’s just been handed such an embarrassing defeat in his own backyard, by the heroes from the SPLM.
Of course, no one doubts Dr. Akol’s personal capabilities to do just about anything and everything he really wants to do away from his field as a chemical engineer. But what most people failed to apprehend, especially in South Sudan is this preposterous behavior and what seems to be a chronic patron of defection from one party to another in significantly short periods of time.
Consequently, if the rumor is in fact true, then that will be a devastating blow in the face of the South Sudanese citizens, who have chosen their leaders in these past elections, and did so with a land slid margin. Subsequently, it will also defeat the whole purpose of why elections are conducted in the first place. Elections- as we all know – are held so that people cast their precious votes to choose somebody for something, especially a public office. Clearly, it wouldn’t be the case here.
On the one hand, it’s understandable if the tyrant-al Basher- wants to form a government of tribal unity. Arguably, Dr. Akol’s résumé demands respect. However, the kingdom of Shiluk is not short of honest people who can serve their country distinctively. In reality, however, it’s not at all about having a PhD that allows one to serve his/her people. It has to with one’s character, honesty trustworthiness and good will. Regrettably, those essential components are not found in Dr. Lam Akol.
Dr. Martin Luther king, Jr. puts it best when he said: “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
They say life is funny, sometime sadly so. But there comes a time when one must call it quits. After all, we all serve at the pleasure of our constituents. Their ability to chose whom they want for a leader must be respected. In that case Dr. Lam failed to make the cut in the elections, therefore, he should not hold any position in the government of national unity.
But in case the dictator imposes him against all odds- which is more likely than not, like his boss, Dr. Lam will only be a local foreign minister. He will not be welcome in the Western world, especially in the United States.
So there you have it, a President hiding from arrest warrant by the ICC and a minister of foreign affairs no other country wants to see.
The author is vice President of the Sudanese Americans Journalist Association, and a former anchorman at Juba Radio. He can be reach at: [email protected]