02/10/2024
Subject: Official Decline from Running for Speakership
By. Akoon Akot Akot Akoon
Dear: General Youth of Aweil Union in Juba, my Campaign manger Aguer Manut Aguer , supporters, and public
With profound gratitude, I’d like to pass my warmest greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally decline the opportunity to run for the position of Speakership in the upcoming election of Aweil Youth Union in Juba. I know that statement alone sounds so devastating and shocking to all my campaign managers, supporters, family and friends and the general public that had putted all their efforts to make sure I am selected as the next Speaker for Aweil Youth Union in Juba.
Firstly, let me give you a clear and a concise reasons for my decline from the candidacy. As all of you know that I hail from Aweil South County (Paliet) and as some might have seen that my own brother is from the same county with me Mr. Aguot that is also running for the same position as I am.
It was on Wednesday 25th September 2024 that our elders( Hon.Molana Ateny Wek Ateny, Hon. Ajak Micheal Akook, General Deng Akol, Mr. Peter Aguot Garang Chan and myself met at Palm Africa hotel as the agenda was disclosed there. The elders firstly appreciated and inquire from us why we are both running for the same position. Each one of us stated our interests and passions to why we need to run for a Speakership.
When we listen to our elders, we show them that we respect their experience and advice. This is especially important in cultures where elders are seen as wisdom figures - by listening to them; we indicate that we value their insights. I respected the words from Ajak Michael Kuel Hon. Molana Ateny Wek Ateny and General Deng Akol and I will always keep obeying elders.
Additionally, they wants to know if there is hatred between me and my brother Aguot, we both stated that we do not have anything between us. They suggested “if there is nothing between two of you then now one person must decline from the candidacy for the position of speakership.”
Consequently, one of the elders advised me that it is better to see the future and if not hard you can decline, as my brother was not closed to declining. So with deep thoughts I accepted the words spoken by my elders. As the Bible states in 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Moreover, this decision was not made lightly. After careful reflection and guidance from my respected elders, I realized and concluded that stepping back from this candidacy would be the most responsible choice for myself, elders and my rival.
Furthermore, this was a very difficult decision, but their wisdom reminded me of the importance of prioritizing the greater good and the current needs of our community (Aweil). Former President of America John F. Kennedy once said "We choose to go to the moon and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
Besides I see that there are more opportunities ahead as the Bible always reminds me of the plans the Lord has for me. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
NB: There was no bribery or any political manipulation in the above decision that I made. It was out of my love for my home and to my junior brother. It was also for the sake of the opportunities ahead as there is more to come than what we now have.
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19:
Again I did it because this is where our sacrifices is need for one another. When I read the book of Philippians 2:3-4 that says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." The true leadership lies on the selfless support to one another as Nelson Mandela the former President of South Africa says –“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."
Martin Luther King Jr once said “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"
Finally,
I understand that this decision may cause some inconvenience to my campaign management, family and friends, supporters and the general public, who have invested their time and energy in my campaign. I sincerely apologize for any disruption this may bring. Your unwavering support has been a source of inspiration for me, and I deeply appreciate your encouragement throughout this process. Although I will not be seeking the speakership, I remain committed to contributing positively to our initiatives and working collaboratively with my brothers (Candidates) for the upcoming election on 27th October 2024.
I believe that by focusing on our collective efforts, we can make a meaningful impact in our Youth Union and community Aweil as well. One thing I believed in, is Unity because it makes us strong as the proverb say "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." So whatever I did is for the benefits and a betterment of our community.
I have great confidence in the future of our Youth Union in Juba and in the leadership that will emerge. Together, we can continue to strive for progress and unity. Thank you for your understanding, support, and commitment to my cause.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my gratitude for the opportunity to have been considered as a candidate for the position. I also want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you who supported me in one way or another. Thank you- once again for being an integral part of this journey; I know it’s not easy for all of you to compromise and comprehend my decision as we were too close to the bottom line of it. There are more to come in front of us and what we need is each other’s unwavering support, love, unity and peace among ourselves today, tomorrow and forever.
I wish my brother Aguot-Amac Garang Chan all the best.
Thank you once again, May God bless you.
Sincerely,
SANTINO AKOON AKOT AKOT
Former Candidate for the position of Speakership
Email: santinoakonakot94@gmail.com
Cell: +211 (0) 989 888 784
+211 (0) 929 888 784
