The members of Lakes State Legislative Assembly yesterday took the oath of allegiance.
The swearing in comes two weeks after Governor Chol Tong Mayay signed the State Transitional Constitution into law and took the oath of office.Speaker John Marik Makur congratulated the Governor and legislators for renewing their legislative duties.
He acknowledged the many challenges lying ahead in the MPs’ term of office but remained hopeful that the determination they showed during the pre-independence period will help them overcome difficulties.
The Speaker assured the public that the Assembly’s duty to deliver services remains unchanged.
Mr Marik appealed for unity among the MPs and other organs of government in order to achieve their goals.
Governor Chol Tong Mayay said the upcoming national census, the Permanent Constitution, broadening of the resource base and stabilizing security in the State were challenges that demanded unity.
UNNMIS Coordinator in Lakes State Renuka Chindambaram reminded the MPs of their responsibilities as the guardians of the State Transitional Constitution.
Ms Renuka said the laws the MPs will pass should benefit the citizens of the State for generations to come and the successes and failures of the State parliament will determine the destiny of future governments.
Lakes State parliament has currently 47 MPs with the appointment of Victoria Achol Akot to represent the returnees.
The State parliament lost one member last year and another was relieved of his duties early this year.