Western Equatoria State MPs take oaths
The appointed Members of Parliament in the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly have been sworn in after five months following their appointment last November by President Salva Kiir.
The lawmakers were sworn in yesterday in Yambio, the state capital of Western Equatoria State, in the presence of Governor Alfred Futuyo and Deputy Governor Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko.
A total of 79 state members of parliament have been sworn in by the different parties to the revitalised peace agreement.
Addressing the MPs during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Futuyo called on the state legislators to work closely with the executive in service delivery as well as maintaining stability in the state.
He said the parliamentarians have a big role to play in maintaining security in the area and encouraging service delivery to its people by pointing out what leaders are not able to do.
“I am happy that you are taking oaths of office today, I urge you to work in collaboration with the executives in order to deliver service to people because you are the eyes of your communities, and you know the challenges they are facing,” Governor Futuyo said.
He also urged the parliamentarians to work in collaboration with the organised committee of army unification to inspect the integration of unified forces in the state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko, Futuyo’s deputy, encouraged the members of parliament to work together as one people of Western Equatoria State, despite their political affiliation.
He said unity is the only way forward for the state if lasting peace is to be realized, adding that this is the catalyst for development.
Working together will allow us to accomplish much more, “Deputy Governor Gaaniko emphasised.
He said the legislators’ swearing-in marked the full formation of the Western Equatoria State government since the country reverted to 10 states nearly two years ago.
Meanwhile, Moses Utoro Kussoni, a newly sworn-in member of WES representing Tambora County, expressed his happiness at finally taking the oath, saying at least there was a sign that they were going to start their work as state MPs.
After being sworn in, he stated that peace and stability are among the top priorities of the top members of parliament, and he promised to work closely with the communities to restore peace.
“The first priority as state MPs, is to see that there is peace and stability in the state, especially in counties that have been affected and are still facing the issues of insecurity and need to see that peace is restored in the whole state,” he said.
