The new elected councilor V Latanya sub county, Justine Ocen, has declared interest to vie for the position of Speaker Pader district local government.
Ocen who has been a radio journalist for over 5 years in Kitgum and Pader districts declared his ambitions early this week.
He says speakership is his conviction and believes that his election will see councilors form a strong political partnership that will provide the required leadership that Pader district yearns for.
The 34 year old journalist- turned politician told Acholi Times that among others he wants to emphasize on implementation of council resolutions which, he says, have not been the case in past councils. He is now canvassing for support from among his fellow councilors-elect.
Justine Ocen is also the mobilizer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party in Pader district.
When asked about his position in the NRM, Ocen said that his involvement in the party structure will not have any effect on how he conducts council business.
He acknowledged that the speaker’s position calls for neutrality but is quick to add that with his background in journalism, a professional that espouses neutrality, he will stand up to the ethical requirements expected of a Speaker.
Reports in Pader say the councilor –elect of Pajule Sub County, Goddy Ocaya and Councilor V Puranga Sub County, Patrick Obua, are also eyeing the same seat. But none of them has publicly expressed interest yet.
The former Pader Speaker, Robert Komakech Obina, like Ocen who now aspires to take over, is also from Latanya Sub County.
