Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Eastern Equatoria State’s Deputy Governor, Mary Nadio Alphonse, has called on the state lawmakers to avoid partisan politics and work for the benefit of the nation.
Nadio made the statements in Torit yesterday during a sensitisation workshop on the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
She said the people in the state have been anxiously waiting for the operationalisation of parliament.
Mary said, after the swearing of the lawmakers, that it was time for them to join efforts towards rebuilding the nation.
“I want parties to know that this is a test for our time. People are waiting for you, I was waiting for you, by the way. Now that you are here, I am very happy that together we will chat about the way forward for this state. Together, we can move our country from where it is today, “she said.
The deputy governor also called on the MPs to work hard to protect the Revitalised Peace Agreement to avoid sliding back to war.
“We have come here from different parties but with one goal. These are our people, and no one came here with a different goal.
“I have come here to serve our people at the grassroots. I know people keep saying that the peace is not progressing, but to me; it is more than just having a war,” she stated.
“However slow the peace is going, it is better than war, and this is what you, the parliamentarians, and we in the executive, need to protect. “We don’t want this country to slide back to war because we will be blamed should anything go wrong,” Mary added.
She challenged the leaders to conduct themselves in a manner that supported their positions in society.
UNMISS Head of Field Office, Waudo Caroline, called on the members of parliament to use their appointments to serve their respective constituencies.
She urged them to work as a unified state legislative assembly regardless of their political affiliations.
“You are there to make laws and debate public policy, scrutinise the work of the government, and also represent your own constituency.
“I call on you to make this appointment and this opportunity to serve your respective constituencies with honour and grace because you are the voice of the voiceless in the community,’’ she said.
“I urge you to work as a unified State Legislative Assembly opposed to your political parties,” Waudo advised.
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