YAMBIO – The Speaker of the Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly, Ann Tuna Richard, has carried out sweeping changes to the Assembly’s leadership, replacing the Chief Whip and restructuring several key committees in what she described as a normal administrative exercise aimed at strengthening performance.
The reshuffle was announced during Sitting No. 33 through Speaker’s Orders No. 8 and 9, which were formally presented before lawmakers. Addressing the Assembly after the announcement, Speaker Tuna urged the newly appointed leaders to embrace unity, collaboration, and professionalism. She stressed that the legislature can only fulfil its mandate when members work together across political party lines.
Tuna also applauded the political environment under Governor Barrister James Altaib Jazz Berapai and Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona, noting that their leadership has fostered freedom of expression and supported the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
According to the Speaker, the reorganisation is intended to keep committees active, effective, and aligned with the priorities of the state government.
Under the new changes, Santina Kasminro of the SPLM-IG takes over as Chief Whip, replacing Isaac Juma Martin. Other key appointments include Joseph Alfred Tindiri as Chairperson of the Peace and Security Committee, Peter Ezibon Palo as Chairperson of Legislation and Legal Affairs, Modir Martin Ngorowu as Chairperson of Information and Communication, and Mbaraza Susan as Chairperson of Public Service.
Clement Gongi Liba now heads the Economy, Finance and Investment Committee, while Pauline Diako Bagura leads the Gender, Child and Human Rights Committee. Simon Hellen John will chair the Services and Members’ Affairs Committee, and Simon Kparakiti Elias takes charge of the Physical Infrastructure and Natural Resources Committee.
Several new deputy chairpersons were also appointed, including James Basiwen Timon, David Paulino Simbi, Luke Jonathan Lanedi, Umjuma Arketa Edward, Magrate Mathew Zino, Alice Sette Zungo, Laurence Kayanga Jabi, and Benty Kpiosa.
The reshuffle saw the removal of several senior officials, among them outgoing Chief Whip Isaac Juma Martin, as well as Abdallah Juma, Martin Diaskoko, Mary Sungu Yoere, Christin F. Mokorondere, Diana George Lou, Julie John Sindani, Clement Gongi Liba (in his previous role), and Simon Kparakiti Elias (in his former portfolio). Several deputy chairpersons were also relieved of their positions as part of the reorganisation.
In her remarks, Speaker Tuna praised the outgoing leadership for their years of committed service, saying their contributions had been vital to the Assembly’s work. She encouraged the newly appointed committee heads to build on that foundation and focus on delivering quality legislation, strong oversight, and improved services for the people of Western Equatoria State.
