14 March 2012 – Furthering rule of law and a decentralized system of government, citizens of Western Bahr El-Ghazal State witnessed the signing of the State Transitional Constitution and swearing-in of their governor today in the capital Wau.

Attending the event with several national ministers, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit congratulated Wau residents for mutual co-existence, stability and prosperity, urging all organized forces to uphold security.

Mr. Kiir assured the gathering that the current civilian disarmament exercise in Jonglei would include all South Sudanese states, adding that Wau was no exception, despite its peaceful status.

Newly sworn-in Western Bahr El-Ghazal Governor Rizik Zakaria Hassan said, "It is the day that demonstrates rule of law and democracy." Stating that the event marked the beginning of prosperity, he discouraged the dividing attitude of tribalism.

Mr. Rizik said his government policy was to focus on development projects, good governance, rule of law, security and stability.

He pointed to development efforts of his office in the state, which included building payam (township) headquarters, civil courts and Raja County headquarters.

"Today is history in the making, as our governor signed the transitional constitution into law," said state Legislative Assembly Speaker Andrea Mayar, stressing that challenges ahead would need a collective effort and spirit of nationalism.

Mr. Mayar urged Wau citizens to respect human rights, using the transitional constitution as a road map to fight corruption and enact laws that would help promote democracy.