By Manas James
Jonglei State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Amer Ateny Alier, has been sworn-in, two months after her reinstatement.
Hailing from the main opposition group, SPLM-IO, speaker Amer’s appointment was revoked by President Salva Kiir in early January.
However, the opposition political party condemned the move, terming it a unilateral decision in violation of the 2018 peace deal.
Rt. Hon. Amer while speaking after taking oath of office in Bor on Monday, called for a better working relation between the legislature and the executive for the sake of peace.
“There were challenges in the past,” she stressed.
“We also had achievements in the form of bills been passed, votes of no confidence, and request from developmental partners for a new hall. So now we need to work together to deliver,” she added.
Meanwhile, Denay Jock Chagor, the state governor, challenged the parliamentarians to play oversight roles.
“As members of parliament when you present a memo, you must make sure it is all in the interest of the 9 counties. Some don’t even know you, but you are here to represent their interests,” he said.
According to the governor the state has so many issues that need parliament, but he had never heard a memo from the Assembly since his time in office.
He noted that in Ayod County where Block B of oil is, there are a lot of diseases killing People.
Mr. Ter Manyang Gatwech, a civil society activist, said Speaker Amer’s taking oath of office was a good gesture.
“Now, the speaker is back, we expect the legislature to do their work without fear or favor. The speaker should tackle insecurity in the state and summon any minister who is not delivering,” he said.