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Prince George's County swears in 'Walla' as at-large council member amid broad local support
Summary
Prince George's County held a swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed at-large council member (referred to in the transcript as 'Walla'), featuring remarks from County Executive Ayesha Braveboy, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, local elected officials, faith leaders and an invocation; the council recorded a unanimous appointment though a formal vote tally is not in the transcript.
Prince George's County held a ceremonial swearing-in for the newly appointed at-large council member, identified in the transcript primarily as "Walla," in a program that included elected officials, faith leaders and visiting dignitaries.
County Executive Ayesha Braveboy introduced the event and praised the appointee’s communication and commitment to constituents, saying supporting her "is like supporting myself." Brooke Lierman, Maryland's elected comptroller, warned of economic pressure on the county and cited that "more than 54,000 federal workers in Prince George's County are navigating uncertainty and layoffs," while praising the new council member's record of listening and community-focused leadership.
Multiple council members and former elected officials offered endorsements and personal recollections. Ingrid Watson, who introduced attending officials, highlighted the appointee's work across Districts 4 and 6; a council speaker stated that the body "unanimously elected you, appointed you into this role," though the transcript does not include a formal roll-call vote or tally.
The program included remarks from a visiting Nigerian diplomat (identified in the transcript as Samson Ithek Boje), who urged engagement between Nigerian and U.S. business and praised the achievements of Nigerian Americans. Faith leaders led an invocation and prayers for the new council member, and singer/minister Jamila Woods offered an encouraging musical ministry.
The oath of office was administered by Mahasin El Amin, clerk of the circuit court, and Associate Judge Lakeisha Allen; the oath referenced support for the Constitutions and laws of the United States, the state of Maryland and the charter and laws of Prince George's County. In her brief remarks after being sworn, the new council member thanked supporters, described her family heritage and community priorities — including health care access, reducing hospital wait times and bringing quality grocery options to underserved areas — and asked faith leaders and colleagues for prayer and support as she begins the countywide role.
The transcript contains multiple inconsistent spellings of the new council member's last name (variants used in the program include "Leguay," "Begay," "Blige" and other renderings). This article uses the spoken short form "Walla" for clarity and to avoid introducing a potentially incorrect surname; the county's official materials should be consulted for the appointee's precise legal name and spelling.
No formal legislative actions, motions or recorded votes tied to policy were part of the event; the primary outcome documented in the transcript is the oath of office and the council's unanimous appointment to the at-large seat (specific vote details were not recorded in the provided transcript).
