Mutharika’s commission of inquiry extends deadline

Commission of inquiry into the Zambia maize-gate involving Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has extended the date of releasing its report on the matter by seven days.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika appointed the commission of inquiry into the matter on January 1, 2017 after it was revealed that the maize imported from Zambia was bought at an exorbitant price due to the use of middlemen.

The commission of inquiry was set to release its finding on January 31 but this will not happen, according to the statement made available to faceofMalawi signed by Chairperson of the inquiry Anastazia Msosa.

“The Commission has been conducting inquiries and is making good progress. However, due to to the nature of inquiries and the information to be analysed, the Commission will not be able to release the report by the previously announced deadline of 31st January, 2017.

“Instead, it has pleased His Excellency the President to grant an extension to the Commission by a further seven working days so that the Report is submitted by 9th February, 2017,” reads in part the statement.

Meanwhile pressure continues to mount on President Mutharika to fire Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Dr. George Chaponda.