Ateny reacts to appointment of new presidential press secretary

JUBA – Former presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny has welcomed the appointment of Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel – daughter of SPLA commander and fighter Cdr. Martin Manyiel, as the new spokesperson for the office of the president.

In a decree read out on the state-own South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir appointed Ms. Adhieu as a replacement to Ateny whom he removed from office without an immediate successor less than two months ago.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, Ateny congratulate Adhieu and described it as a ‘well-deserved’ appointment by the president since he had wished, from the time of his removal, for a female candidate to be named by the president.

“I would like to congratulate my sister Lily Adhieu for having gained the confidence of H. E President Salva Kiir Mayardit on her appointment as my successor. It is an appointment well-deserved and to the right person in the right place,” Ateny said.

“I also would like to commend H. E Salva Kiir Mayardit for taking this bold decision to appoint a female cadre. I had wished that a woman should be appointed after me, though I didn’t recommend Cde. Lily. Notwithstanding, I am happy that the job has not only gone to a female SPLM cadre, but also went to the daughter of former SPLM/A Politico-Military High Command member, the late Cdr. Martin Manyiel Ayuel who died in Zimbabwe before the end of the liberation struggle,” he added.

He stressed that “it is a well thought appointment, and I wish her the best. I will be waiting to receive a call from the Executive Office so that I go and handover the office to my successor. I am happy that the appointment is made today after 55 days since I was relived. That situation, kept me like an hostage as I can’t move on without handing over the public office.”

Ateny said he is “delighted to tell her that, I am ready to assist Madam Adhieu on anything she may stand in need pertinent to the work in the office of the President, if she needs my assistance at any time. Otherwise, I urge all my former colleagues to cooperate with Lily Adhieu for the betterment of making the highest office in the land to functions smoothly.”