The delay, the representatives say, has hindered them from addressing pressing issues facing the community.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Members of the Western Equatoria State Transition Legislative Assembly are frustrated by the continued delay in reopening of the Assembly, accusing state authorities of using political excuses to conceal corruption and evade accountability. The delayed period, from June, has hindered the legislatures from addressing pressing issues facing the community.

In an interview with the City Review, Mary Sungu, the Chairperson of the Special Committee on Information at the Western Equatoria State Assembly, expressed concern on the implications of the delay.

“Our tradition is that we should be in session for three months, then go for a recess to engage with our community and understand their challenges. We have already done this and returned in June to present the issues we gathered. But the Assembly is yet to be officially reopened. This has impacted our ability to discuss critical matters such as education, roads, and basic services,” Sungu said.

She explained that the delay is affecting not only the legislative process but also the communication between lawmakers and the public.

“We can’t summon ministers or debate key issues because the Assembly is not officially opened. Our community is waiting to hear our voices and resolutions, but everything is stalled.”

The delay, she said, is attributed to Governor, Alfred Futuyo, who is yet to give an official order to open the Assembly. According to the state constitution, it is the Governor’s prerogative to close and reopen the Assembly. While lawmakers have been registering for attendance, the session cannot begin without the Governor’s approval.

“The Speaker has made multiple attempts to consult with the Governor, but the Assembly remains closed,” Sungu added.

However, some MPs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the delay is a deliberate political maneuver to hide corruption within the state government. “This is nothing but a political game to mask the corrupt practices happening within the administration, ministers and other authorities should be held accountable by the August House, but this delay is preventing us from fulfilling our role,” said one MP.

The MP further pointed out that the constitution allows the Governor to delegate his deputy to reopen the Assembly if he is unavailable.

“The Governor is using excuses of being too busy, but the constitution gives him the right to delegate his deputy for this task. The state cannot be held hostage by political games.”

The consequences of the delay extend beyond the Assembly. Sungu highlighted that the community is growing impatient, and urgent matters like the state’s budget and security issues remain unaddressed.

“The sealing budget has not been presented properly, and we cannot follow up on insecurity in the state. The Chairperson of Security in the Assembly is unable to present these concerns because the Assembly is still closed.”

Sungu called on the state government to expedite the reopening of the Assembly. “The Assembly must resume its session so we can debate, present our findings, and make resolutions. Our community depends on us as their voice, and we cannot let them down.”

In the meantime, lawmakers continue to urge patience from the community. “We ask our people to remain calm as we wait for the Governor to officially open the Assembly. Rest assured, we are ready to serve once the session begins,” Sungu concluded.

With mounting pressure from both MPs and the public, the spotlight is now on the Governor to act and ensure that the democratic process in Western Equatoria State resumes without further delay.