N.Bahr el Ghazal Speaker engages participatory decision process with MPs

By Ngor Arol Garang

October 26, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The newly elected Speaker of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Lt Col, Majang Ngor Kuany today, for the second time since his election, engaged participatory decision process with members of the assembly asking how best they can go about deliberations.

Ngor was elected last week into the chair after repeated no confidence motions against the former speaker who had been accused of acting unilaterally and sideling the state house by ordering the closure of the chamber. However the former speaker Mr. Angelo Marach Thiik denied the charges describing it as propaganda coined to grab power from him.

“The assembly had long been partially closed but members are now determined to systematically begin deliberations,” said Hon. Santino Deng Maluil.

He further said yesterday and today deliberations were dominated by a motion on assembly assets taken to individuals’ houses under the presidency of the ex-speaker Thiik.

“Lots of the assembly items such as seats and other small and valuable assets have found their ways into individuals’ houses,” he adds.

On his party, the speaker Ngor said has started well with assembly business adding that he has not yet recorded anything since it is his second official day in the office as speaker after sworn in last week.

However, he was quick to add that the state assembly will first start with revision of previous bills before thinking of additional bills which may include election and preparation for the referendum.

“I have started asking members from various committees to take note of current discussions while keeping eyes opened for pressing issues as we get ourselves back to the house again,” he said.

(ST)