Chakwera on Mutharika’s Throat

By: Happy Arnold Soko

The Malawian leader Peter Mutharika  may have thought that he has gone unnoticed after turning down the summon by parliament earlier this week where he was supposed to be asked to clear the legislators on numerous questions including the maize crisis that has hit the nation now.

In his remarks, The Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya told parliament that Mutharika opted to delegate responsible Ministers to represent him.

But the leader of opposition in the August House, Lazarus Chakwera has hinted that Mutharika should respect the rule of law by appearing before the parliament. According to Chakwera, some questions that are meant for the nation are not supposed to be tackled by Cabinet Ministers.

Speaking after the Wednesday deliberations, Chakwera said his questions have been reserved ‘till Mutharika agrees to appear before the parliament.

“We wrote the president a letter to appear before the parliament and answer the questions to do with the country. I did not pose the questions in parliament and am still keeping them for Mutharika.

“We always talk to ministers but this time we are not talking to the ministers. The questions that I have reserved are not supposed to be answered by ministers but Mutharika. We need him face to face and he is also a member of parliament,” explained Chakwera.

Mutharika turned down the summon and delegated Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Goodall Gondwe to represent him

Among those who wanted Mutharika to appear before the parliament are Mzimba south west MP Harry Mkandawire and Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader was summoned to respond to questions on the food crisis and the political meltdown.