Over 90 members of the revitalized transitional state assembly in Unity State were sworn in by the state High Court judge before Governor Joseph Monytuil Wejang on Friday.
Addressing the parliamentarians during the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Monytuil said the occasion marked an important milestone in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement. He said the mandate and the agenda of the state government are to disseminate peace, reconciliation, and unity amongst the people.
“I call upon members to embrace the spirit of working together as a team and avoid party-related differences while carrying out your mandate,” Governor Monytuil advised. “Make sure that the will of the people prevails over party affiliation. I believe that you will diligently contribute to help improve our state.
He added: “Our state has experienced very devastating floods that caused mass displacement and deaths of our people and their livestock. The floods peaked during the last rainy season and threatened the existence of our state capital Bentiu.”
The governor said the displaced persons moved to neighboring states and high lands within with some moving to Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA). He said that despite challenges, the state government has achieved unification and redeployment of the workforce in the now-defunct states of North and Southern Liech.
“Our government has committed itself to uphold peaceful coexistence with our neighboring states and administrative areas namely Lakes and Warrap states and the Ruweng and Abyei administrative areas.” Governor Monytuil said.
For his part, Deputy Governor Tor Tunguar Kuicguong said Unity State needs a competent parliament that can implement laws and conduct business that favors the interest of the people.
The newly sworn-in speaker of the assembly, Nanger Nger Baguot, stressed the roles and responsibilities of the parliament and said the parliament must unite the people and work to promote peace, reconciliation, and development.