Members of South Sudan’s Council of States, the upper house of parliament, have remained Imotong state to Torit, sparking celebrations welcoming the change made by the lawmakers.
Tulio Odongi Ayahu, former government chief whip in parliament who hails from Torit hailed the decision. “The decision of the council to restore the name of Torit was a wise choice,” he said.
“As you may have been following, the Council of States has approved the change of the state’s name from Imotong to historic name of Torit State,” he added.
Deng Dau Malek, a member of parliament representing Twic East in Jonglei State also reacted to the news. H congratulated both the people and the government for achieving the restoration of Torit as historic name.
The deputy speaker of the Council of States, Arthur Akuien Chol said the change was in respond to the demand of the people through their state.
Governor Tobiolo Alberio addressed a rally in the town of Torit on Tuesday during which he explained the changes.
The top state official told a public rally on Tuesday that the change should help foster peace rather than division in Torit state as it was a demanded by the people of Imatong.
“The Council of States has considered your request and they have approved from today onward the name of our state is Torit state,” he said.