Upper Nile State speaker calls for unity, reconciliation

March 16, 2022 (JUBA) – The speaker of South Sudan’s Upper Nile State assembly, Chuol Dep Kier took oath on Monday with calls for unity and reconciliation among citizens.

In his inaugural speech, the newly-appointed assembly speaker vowed to prioritize sustainable peace and service delivery in the oil-producing state.

“We were nominated by our respective political parties to the institutions established under the terms and provisions of the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan to serve our people diligently and bring them together to stay in peace and harmony,” explained Kier.

He said his first priority would be to unite the people of Upper Nile State.

“We should not be engaged in practices promoting political wrangling in the state legislative assembly through the influence of political affiliations in our duties and responsibilities. Our appointments were opportunities given to us to serve and put the interests of our people first,” stressed Kier.

He urged the locals to support lawmakers in the execution of their duties.

Under terms of the revitalized peace deal, the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of First Vice President Riek Machar nominated the state governor while his deputy was nominated by other political parties.

The newly appointed speaker comes from the country’s ruling party (SPLM).

Kier, who served as deputy speaker of the state assembly prior to the outbreak of 2013 civil war, urged legislators to expedite the amendment of the state constitution as well as the conduct of business and regulation.

He said other activities of the state parliament would include passing the bills presented by the executive and bills initiated by the parliament itself.

(ST)