Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard Sworn as New Speaker of Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly

By Hellen City

On Tuesday, Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard was officially inaugurated as the Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, alongside eight other newly sworn-in members of parliament.

During the swearing-in ceremony held at the State Legislative Assembly in August House, H.E. Barrister James Alteib Berapai commended the President of the Republic of South Sudan for respecting the democratic will of the people of Western Equatoria State, as enshrined in the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan. He also congratulated Rt. Hon. Speaker Ann Tuna Richard for earning the confidence of H.E. the President.

In his address, Governor Alteib highlighted the core objectives and guiding principles of his administration, which include maintaining peace and security, promoting good governance and the welfare of citizens, combating corruption, and driving reconstruction and development. He emphasized that these responsibilities would be carried out strictly in accordance with the rule of law, in line with Articles 52 and 53 of the Transitional Constitution of Western Equatoria State (2011, as amended) and the laws of South Sudan.

In her remarks, Rt. Hon. Speaker Ann Tuna Richard paid tribute to the outgoing Rt. Hon. Wakila Charles for her dedicated service. She pledged to foster cooperation among assembly members and to build upon the work already accomplished. Tuna also urged all Honourable Members who have not yet joined the assembly to unite swiftly with their colleagues to fulfill their duties, as mandated by their oath of allegiance.

The ceremony ended with celebrations and jubilations among attendees.