The former speaker of the regional legislative assembly says this Independence Day should be celebrated in the spirit of restoring peace in the country.

On the 9^th of July next week, citizens will celebrate the forth independence anniversary.

Lubari Ramba Lokolo was the first speaker of the regional Parliament in 1972 after the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement.

“My message to you is that while we are approaching the date for the anniversary for our independence, you also think and you also pray that peace is restored, security is restored in the whole country so that anybody whether you are in the government or whether you are not in the government,” Mr Lokolo said.

He called on the authorities in Juba to ensure that there is security before, during and after the Independence Day celebrations.

Mr. Ramba also blamed youth for not doing enough to alleviate poverty. He called on young people to concentrate on food production.

“What you people should do is now to work hard to see that you get benefit from that independence,” he added.