Africa-Press – South-Sudan. JUBA — The former Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State, Joseph Ngere Paciko, has been appointed as the new Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), marking a significant shift in the country’s legislative leadership.
The appointment, announced on Tuesday, was read by SPLM Chief Whip Tulio Odongi Ayahu during an ordinary sitting in Juba.
The decree is seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and enhance representation within the national legislature.
Ngere, 66, replaced Jemma Nunu Kumba, a senior SPLM member and close ally of Kiir, who had served as speaker since August 2021.
Her removal follows a vote of no confidence by the SPLM parliamentary caucus last week, citing poor management and corruption.
The SPLM caucus also recommended the replacement of the second deputy speaker for Admin and Finance, Parmena Awerial Aluong, and replaced Abuk Payiti Ayik.
Joseph Ngere Paciko, the new speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, acknowledged President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to appoint him.
“I am so happy that today we are here. And a special note: my big appreciation and congratulations to our president, General Salva Kiir Mayardit, for making this day a day of new celebration. Take my word on the new celebration in the Parliament,” Ngere said.
“I have no more to say, just to conclude by saying, give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give God what belongs to God. I can see the young, talented man, someone who has raised his hand in the party of SPLM and dropped down the rays from the sky.”
Oliver Mori Benjamin, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Information and assembly spokesperson, stated that the assembly congratulates Mr. Joseph Ngere Paciko on his appointment as Speaker and Hon. Abuk Payiti Ayik as Deputy Speaker.
“The Assembly looks forward to strengthened cooperation between the new leadership and Members of Parliament in advancing its legislative, oversight, and representative mandates in the interest of the people of South Sudan,” said Mori.
The assembly also expresses its appreciation to Rt. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba and Hon. Paramena Awerial Aluong for their service and contributions during their tenure.
“As an institution, Parliament continues to learn, evolve, and strengthen its systems. Together, the Assembly renews its commitment to a more disciplined, accountable, and results-driven Parliament that truly reflects the aspirations of the people of South Sudan.”
Joseph Ngere Pāciko was born on 1 January 1960 in Bangolo Payam, Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State.
He began his education in Western Equatoria, attending local primary and junior schools before moving to Rumbek Secondary School, where he studied from 1980 to 1983.
After completing his secondary education, he joined the University of Juba, where he pursued biology and chemistry from 1984 to 1988.
He later obtained a Master of Arts in Management from Mekelle University in 2002.
His political career began in 1988 when he joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
He has remained active in the party and became a member of its National Liberation Council in 2008.
In 2010, he was elected as a member of Parliament representing the SPLM and served as the member of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Public Order until 2026.
Before entering parliament, he served as Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State from 2005 to 2010, making him the longest-serving Deputy Governor in the state.
During this time, he worked under three governors and focused on promoting peace, improving security, and uniting communities.
From 2015 to 2020, he served as Governor and SPLM Chairperson of the former Amadi State, continuing to support stability and development in the area.
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