Authorities in Tonj State have elected new parliamentary leadership after convening a first session of the state legislative assembly following the creation of the state by Salva Kiir’s Establishment Order to divide the country’s ten states into 28.
The parliamentary members in a session held on Thursday approved Mario Malok Lual as the new speaker and Mawien Yuot as the deputy speaker, marking the beginning of the new institutions in the area. This comes after the governor Akec Tong Aleu appointed Manhiem Bol as his deputy governor.
Members of parliament say the initial aspiring members for the speakership included Dominic Deng Mayom, who later dropped after realizing the majority of the members favoured nomination of Malok and Mawien for the positions of speaker and deputy.
Karlos Maluil Makueth, a native of the of area, and one of the close allies of the governor among youths from the area said he personally welcomed and applauded the way the selection was made.
“I am happy as one of the youth leaders and commend members of parliament for observing ethics, balancing and assurances to working closely with the governor to deliver services,” said Maluil Friday.
File photo: Tonj town