Two National Congress MPs take oaths in Rumbek assembly

By Manyang Mayom

December 22, 2008 (RUMBEK) — The previously contested swearing-in ceremony of the three members belonging to the National Congress Party (NCP) in Lakes state legislative assembly came to an end today by swearing in two members while the third did not take the oaths, due to confusion over a procedural issue.

Although the last swearing-in ceremony was interrupted by two competing factions of MPs, the oaths this time were successfully administered in the presence of Judge Awan Makoi Ayuiek, Acting Speaker Marik Nanga Marik and the Lakes state governor’s representative, Apollo Madok Chol.

Three outgoing NCP members were relieved by Southern Sudan presidential decree No.134 dated October 23, 2008.

The two new NCP members are Barnaba Marial who replaced Machuor Marial Duol and Mayen Malou Akeryel who replaced Khamis Hagar Zaat. But Abdul Gadir Abdulla Mabok, who was designated to replace Lucia Ledit Murnal, has not taken the oath because the decree named Lucia Ledit Murnal for removal, whereas this MP actually goes by Kosta Kedit Muortat.

In Lakes state assembly sitting No. 17, the Acting Speaker Marik Nanga Marik, welcomed the members back to the House after a long political crackdown that had brought a long break of over two weeks. He acknowledged and welcomed those members who were away for their medical leave.

“We have little to do although last time we got interrupted during the process of forming the Specialized Committees,” he said.

He added, “our crises cost us a lot as legislators and we have lost two honorable members from the Assembly and one Minister from the Executive and we never know whether it will be stop there or some of leaders in the State lose their positions if the crises continue.”

Marik spoke at length on being very mindful of one’s status as an honorable member. He also reminded the honorable members that they are accountable to the counties that they represent.

He promised that during his time as acting speaker of Lakes state legislative assembly, he will serve the House equally. He urged the Members to regain the confidence of the public of Lakes State who have almost lost hope in us. He said that seats are never enough for all the members but we all lead in the name of those few who are leading us.

“Everyone of us will have his/her own chance to rule this parliament,” said Marik.

Before the acting speaker could proceed, there was an interruption from NCP member Lino Alony Awan, who disregarded the ruling from the chairman when he was told to sit down. After several attempts to control him failed, he was thrown out by orders from the acting speaker, prompting approving applause from the House.

Lino was opposing the appointment of Agum Jacob Chagai to lead the Committee for Land and Natural Resources.

After 15 minutes outside the August House, the acting speaker summoned Alony to apologize in front of honorable members and withdraw his statement toward the speaker.

This is first time Lakes state lawmakers came together to solve their political differences without banging on tables since Lakes state fell into political strife beginning this August.

The acting speaker declared that the leadership positions in the Lakes State Assembly are now filled and therefore declared them functional from today.

Furthermore, the acting speaker declared that members should leave for Christmas and the sitting will not be attended again until December 29. He promised as well that honorable members belonging to Greater Yirol should lobby more strongly to bring a strong speaker to fill up the vacant position of Speaker.

A Lakes state political advisor, Apollo Madok Chol, affirmed to NCP members that “although you are members belonging to NCP in this assembly, you still have your own principle to run this assembly affairs. You are our brothers and be mindful that this assembly was in crisis and thank god that this crisis are over.”

John Gor Teran, a member of the Sudan African National Union (SANU), raised a complaint against the unfair power-sharing with other parties, referring to the dominant position of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Speaker Marik cut him short and asked him of the percentage allocation of the seats to the other parties in Southern Sudan. When there was no answer from Hon. John Gor Teran, the Acting Speaker explained to him that the percentage granted to other parties, as outlined in the 2005 peace agreement, is 20%.

He noted therefore that the power of the other parties depends on their willingness to share together.

Despite the objection, all specialized committee chairs were officially announced, though there are two newly created ones without names given to the chairs. The number of these committees has increased to 13.

(ST)