The presidential spokesperson has come out to clarify the order banning the singing of the national anthem in Pres. Kiir’s physical absence, saying it can still be sung in some special events provided the president’s physical presence is substituted for (or represented by) a huge officially approved framed picture of him.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with CGTN Africa, a Chinese international media network, Presidential spokesman Mr Ateny Wek Ateny decried the confusion and called on the press not to take too seriously everything the Minister of Information says. He advised that facts first be cross-checked with him especially when it concerns or relate to national and presidential issues.

“The press and the general public should consider verifying everything and anything said by anyone about the Presidency and this country with me… Listen carefully… being the official spokesperson of the President of this country, you must consider that what I say is with the authority of the President himself. The statement issued earlier is as such null and void.”

On Monday, Minister of Information Michael Makuei told the nation that the President was deeply unhappy after observing that ‘his’ national anthem was being sung, whistled, danced to and played by everyone as if it was a Mary Boyoi hit. He went on to announce that the President does not like that, and wishes everyone to stop the abuse immediately.

“For the information of everybody the national anthem is only meant for the president in a function only attended by the president, not for everybody,” Makuei said.

Mr Ateny’s clarification comes as a relief to many. Others still worry that the government in Juba is trying a bit too hard to idolise and iconise the President – otherwise, what added value does Pres. Kiir’s presence or an authorised framed picture of him bring to a people who just want to evoke a feeling of patriotism by humming the song?

“I hope the order is now clear – the national anthem is still not for everyone but President Kiir himself. However, if he is not present in that occasion and you need to sing the anthem, just make sure you have the president of the Republic of South Sudan represented in the form of a huge picture. I hope this issue is now clear!” Mr Ateny concluded.

More from Saakam as soon as we piece together more of this ‘misunderstood’ story of ‘not for everyone but only for Pres. Kiir’ national anthem story.