Former President Kiir’s Press Secretary has welcomed the president’s decision to fire him.
By Ateny Wek Ateny, Juba, South Sudan
Saturday, 06 August 2022 (PW) — This is an open appreciation letter to H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan! First of all, let’s congratulate you, Mr President, on a job well done to relieve me of my duties as the first ever Press Secretary in the Office of the President on Friday, August 5, 2022. I took your decision as regular, routine and a prerogative of your Excellency.
Second, as I celebrated my appointment nine years ago, I earnestly celebrated my relief today, and any friend or foe who called me to check whether I was taking the news normally, or otherwise, might have been surprised by the level of my jubilation.
For me, I think I have made history, which I and my family would be proud of. Given the demand of my job and what managing a country in crisis since its inception entails, I think President Kiir gave me more than the honour a man can expect from another man.
Being the first Press Secretary in the Office was a lifetime privilege and honour. I am now more exposed than at any other time in my life. So, if I was doing my job right or wrong, the fact that I had spent a good 9 years in it was an indication that I wasn’t there by mere coincidence. I had what it takes to have served the President and the country, to which I will remain a loyal citizen.
Whether I am in government or not, I will still be loyal to President Kiir, my former colleagues, and the government of National Unity and beyond. I subscribe to the notion of being a supporter of the government having an assignment or otherwise.
Finally, I am grateful to the President again. I wish him and the government a very wonderful extended tenure. May God and Kedit Atenydior bless our beloved President and the entire South Sudan population.
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