I’m not for SPLM/IO party, I’m for all South Sudanese”, Deng Deng- new speaker for Council of States

South Sudan’s newly crowned speaker of Council of States, Deng Deng Akoon has sent out a resounding message to all South Sudanese that he’s for everyone and not the SPLM/IO party that sent him.

The head of the council of states was speaking during their welcoming ceremony, organized at their headquarters.

“I’m not working for SPLM/IO party. I’m working for all South Sudanese. This is the time to work for our common interests as one people”, he said.

“With peace, deflection and tribal politics have no place in our House. We must carry out our responsibilities as one people under one government, “, he added.

Speaking during the same occasion, his Deputy- Mary Ayen Majok said that it was time for them to work together and forge a way out of the dilemma the country is immersed in currently.

 “We’re glad we’ve been sworn in. We thank the parties that appointed us, but the real work begins now. We’ll use these small premises to converge in and share our solutions to our problems, “, she said.

“We must think of what to do next because we have a lot awaiting us”, she added.

About 550 legislators from the two houses were sworn in at Freedom Hall on Monday afternoon in the presence of Chief Justice, Chan Reech Madut and other notable personalities like Daniel Awet Akot representing President Kiir.

Hon. Deng Deng Akoon is deputized by Hon. Mary Ayen Majok (SPLM/IG) and Hon. Baping Monytuil (Other Opposition Alliance).

Jemma Nunnu Kumba took oath as the speaker of the Revitalized Transitional National Parliament. She is deputized by Oyet Nathaniel and Permena Awerial Aluong.

Speaking during the after-party organized at the Parliamentary Headquarters, the newly crowned speaker urged all parties to the conflict to always approach her office in case they’ve burning issues.

“No one should hesitate to approach my office should you have any burning point which is useful for nurturing peace in our beloved country, or make the parliament do its work more efficiently”, she told the gathering.

The Minister of Environment, Josephine Napon urged the new speaker to possess a great character as ‘there’ll be obstacles along the way’.