JB IN VERBAL WAR WITH GOVT OVER RETIREMENTS BENEFITS

Former President Dr. Joyce Banda has trashed claims made by government over her retirement’s benefits, saying the government has not honoured the requirements of a retired President as stipulated by the President’s (Salaries and Benefits) Act, 1994.

Banda through her spokesperson Andekuche Chanthunya said this when reacting to a statement released by Minister of Information, Tourism and Civic Education Jappie Mhango on Wednesday.

The Minister said Banda received a tax free lump sum gratuity amounting to K30 million comprising K12 million and K18 million being gratuity in her capacity as former Vice President and former President, respectively.

“The payment was made on 29th November, 2014 and collected on 12th January, 2015. However, she has yet to start receiving her monthly pension. As it is stands, the pension for the former President is currently being processed by the Director of Pensions at the Accountant General’s Office,” reads in part the statement.

Speaking in an interview with the press, Chanthunya brushed off the claims, saying it is not up to government as to whether Banda comes or not. He said government just needs to respect the Constitution of Malawi by according her a retirement home.

Chanthunya said some of the houses which government showed the office of the former president were rejected for security reasons.

“Among the houses which we were shown, others had neighbours who had upstairs houses which means they would stand on their verandas and see whatever activities were happening in the former president’s home. On the pension, we wonder why it has to take over 17 months for the former president’s pension to be processed,” said Chanthunya.

Turning to the security details, Chanthunya said though it is still intact as government is claiming, the police officers were disarmed and they only have one gun which they use, something which still provides gaps and she has not been provided with vehicles which are also a part of security as they necessitate her travelling.

Banda left in the country just after the May 20, 2014 tripartite election which saw the then opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika emerged victorious.