South Sudan legislators re-elected the speaker of the former legislature in the first session of the Second Parliament after they took their oath.
Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) opened its doors to welcome its duly elected members in a session marked by much confusion and many new faces among legislators.The first seating of the Second Parliament opened with prayers led by Christian and Muslim leaders.
Professor Barri Arkangelo Wangi, the eldest MP, conducted the works until the election of the new speaker.
Prof. Barri told the MPs they should be proud of their role to lead southerners into a new era through the referendum to the total independence of South Sudan.
Southern Sudan Chief Justice, John Wol Akech, served the oath to the new parliamentarians after they were called one by one.
The new MPs proceeded to elect the leader of the house.
Prof. Barri announced James Wani Igga was voted SSLA speaker:
The MPs also elected Daniel Awet Akot deputy speaker and Bashir Bendi Controller of the Assembly, a new office proposed the SPLM caucus.