Four legislators representing Lainya County of Central Equatoria State on Wednesday walked out of parliament protesting the oath taken by Festo Lemi Sominda to replace the late Samson Kwaje terming it unconstitutional.
MP Thomas Wani Kundu, who is also the Secretary-General of SPLM caucus in the National Legislative Assembly, raised a point of objection in vain as Speaker Manasseh Magok Rundial dictated the oath taking ceremony.
He said MPs were protesting because Mr Lemi’s appointment of violated the Transitional Constitution.
Mr Wani pointed out that the president was only mandated to appoint 66 members of parliament and he did not have authority to replace late Kwaje.
He said Mr Lemi did not participate in the 2010 elections in Lainya County, terming his succession as illegal.
MPs Joyce Dusman James, Joseph Dilli Lubari and Agnes Nyoka Peter from Lainya County spit out their bitterness objecting to Mr Lemi’s oath as an MP.
Ms Dusman said Mr Lemi’s appointment was inappropriate.
Mr Lubari said he did not have personal problems with his brother Festo but his appointment was unlawful.
Ms Nyoka wondered why the executive was confusing people of Lainya by fueling up tensions in the county while Lainya was still mourning the late Samson Kwaje.
She pointed out that they could not tolerate such a mess.
Speaker Manasseh Magok Rundial dictated the oath taking of Festo Lemi Sominda as MPs roared up in protest and marched out of parliament.
The protesting legislators said they would raise a motion of objection against the sworn in appointee by President Salva Kiir next week.