Lawmakers in South Sudan’s Jonglei State take oath

JUBA – Newly-appointed members of parliament of South Sudan’s restive Jonglei State have been sworn into office, nearly four months since President Salva Kiir Mayardit reconstituted the Jonglei state transitional legislative assembly.

The lawmakers were sworn-in Tuesday in presence of Jonglei governor Denay Jok Chagor.

“This is trying time for you where the people of Jonglei State will see whether you are going to represent yourself or you are going to represent your constituencies, your county, Payam and state. This is the time where every one of you will be seen base on your debates   and polices you will be pushing forward,” Chagor said during swearing-in ceremony in Bor town on Tuesday.

Chagor urged MPs to cooperate with executive in a bid to strengthen legislation to restore stability in the state.

“I want to thank state government of Jonglei State for working so hard to ensure that Jonglei is protected and work together. Jonglei State cooperation and working together has been tested, individuals character is being tested and community are all been tested,” Chagor said.

“This is a time for people who work together to build the state and the country stood up  and I believe Jonglei state will be among states in South Sudan that will stand up for peace, unity and prosperity for South Sudan,” Chagor added.

Chagor said oath taking by lawmakers was a positive step toward making Jonglei prosperous and most peaceful state in the country.

“I believe in hard work of our ordinary citizens and I believe that if we decide to work together we can make things possible and I believe we have began, this is the path for us to move forward toward Jonglei State that is prosperous, unity and Jonglei State that is working to build South Sudan,”  he said.

He urged the lawmakers deliver services to their various constituencies.

“I believe this is new beginning to all members of legislative assembly, you are all here representing all corners of Jonglei State from Twic East to Akobo and Nyirol, you are representing every citizen those who like you and those who don’t like you, those who support you and those who don’t,” he said.