By Lodu William Odiya
As South Sudan marks 14 years of independence, a member of Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Stephen Lual Ngor, has called on citizens to rally behind President Salva Kiir Mayardit, whom he described as a symbol of national unity and the custodian of peace and stability in the country.
In a statement during the commemoration, yesterday, Lual paid tribute to the country’s martyrs, veterans, and wounded heroes, who made sacrifices for freedom. He said their struggles laid the foundation for the hard-won freedom, South Sudanese enjoys today.
Lual urged citizens to honor their legacy by raising the country’s image across the region and on the global stage.
The legislator firmly rejected any external involvement in the country’s judiciais affairs, asserting that only a truly independent national judiciary can protect South Sudan’s sovereignty and ensure justice without foreign interference or political influence.
He also called for urgent reforms in the security sector, including the dissolution of parallel military structures and the consolidation of command under a single, unified army.
According to him, the existence of multiple Chiefs of General Staff, undermines national cohesion and security.
He emphasized the need for one national army under the command of President Kiir, with a shared doctrine and loyalty to the state, capable of safeguarding all regions from Greater Bahr El Ghazal and Greater Upper Nile to Greater Equatoria and Abyei.
Peace and stability, Lual said, can only be sustained through unity and an inclusive national dialogue that leaves no one behind.
He urged citizens to live out the spirit of independence by working together to build a strong, fair, and united country for all.
He concluded his statement with a powerful call for loyalty to the nation and its leadership:
“Let us honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes by standing firm in defense of our homeland. Glory to our martyrs, respect to our veterans and wounded heroes, and gratitude to every patriotic citizen protecting the sovereignty of our nation. Long live the Republic of South Sudan, free, united, and prosperous under one flag.” The statement read.
He called on citizens to rally behind President Salva Kiir Mayardit, whom he described as a symbol of national unity and the custodian of peace and stability in the country.