Telar hails Kiir’s choice for new S. Sudan vice-president

August 27, 2013 (JUBA) – Telar Ring Deng, a former nominee for the position of South Sudan justice minister, has hailed president Salva Kiir’s decision to appoint James Wani Igga as vice president.

Deng, who was two weeks ago rejected by the country’s lawmakers, said he was optimistic the new vice president will do “excellent” job for the people of South Sudan.

Kiir on Friday issued a presidential decree appointing Igga, the former speaker of the national assembly as his deputy, a month after dissolving the entire government.

The newly appointed vice president, the decree stipulates, automatically relinquishes the position of speakership in the national parliament, leaving lawmakers to elect a new speaker.

An extraordinary session of parliament convened on Saturday unanimously endorsed the newly appointed vice president, who was sworn-in the next day.

Igga, in his speech during the swearing in ceremony, vowed to allegiance to the country, saying he would work with the president to promote strong and peaceful relations with all the neighbouring countries, including Sudan.

“If you ask any of our people on the street here now, they will definitely tell you they need peace so that they can consolidate efforts to rebuild this country and nothing else. So for us as government, peace is more important than anything else. Our goal is to build an economic power and improve the standard of living of our people. Lack of peace caused war”, he said.

A similar congratulatory message to the new vice president also came from the acting Unity state governor, Joseph Monytuel.

The swearing in function was attended by senior members of government, including and the chief justice, Chan Reec Madut.

(ST)