21 March 2012 -- The Upper Nile State Governor Simon Kun Puoch signed into law the state's transitional constitution at a ceremony held today in Malakal Stadium.

The guest of honor was Peter Adwok Nyaba, the Minister of Higher Education in the Government of South Sudan who was born and grew up in Upper Nile State.

He was joined by the national government's Deputy Minister of General Education and Instruction Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, national and state legislative assembly members, the Shilluk Reth (king), the president of the state's high court, state government ministers, the state's county commissioners, religious leaders and other special guests.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Nyaba described the transitional constitution as a "mechanism for peace building and unity."

He also called on the diverse communities of the state to settle their differences and work closely with the Upper Nile government to help implement its development program.

"I urge the governor to initiate the peace conference among the communities," he said. "Without peace, there will be no development."

Mr. Nyaba encouraged the state government to promote farming and fisheries in light of the recent shutdown of oil production in Upper Nile.

Governor Puoch for his part thanked the state assembly for approving the transitional constitution and also the national government's Ministry of Justice for reviewing and finalizing the document.

He pledged a government crackdown on criminality throughout the state.

Recently arrived from a two-month-long sabbatical that included extended stays in China and Israel, Governor Puoch disclosed that some Israeli agribusiness firms have expressed interest in coming to Upper Nile State to train local farmers.

He also said that the construction of internal roads in the state is going on well and should be completed soon.