Bingu’s statue unveiled amid criticisms

Statue of late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika has been unveiled today at Parliament building in the capital Lilongwe amid criticisms from Malawians, saying the statue does not resemble the former Malawi leader.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika who is also torchbearer for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the forthcoming May 21 polls presided over the unveiling ceremony which marked 7 years since the then Malawi leader departed.

In his speech, Mutharika described his later brother as a visionary man who had the well-fair of Malawians at heart.

“In Bingu, we celebrate a man who inspired us to be economically independent. He was a man who inspired us to be ambitious. And he often said, in the pursuing our dreams, “not even the sky is the limit.” And he worked hard for this country.

“I remember one day, he called me at 11 o’clock in the evening. And he said, “I have an assignment for you. I want it by in the morning.” I said “Are you sure?” He said “Yes.”

“I woke up and worked all night. Unfortunately, I never submitted that work because that is the day he died,” he said

He added: He often told us “to dream in colour.”

“In Bingu, we celebrate an African statesman who urged Africa to turn its resources into wealth. His African Food Basket dream inspired many Africans.

“Bingu reminded us that “Africans are poor, but Africa is not poor.” He challenged us to believe that we are a poor people in a rich world – and never to make poverty our choice.”

Bingu died of cardiac arrest on April 5, 2019 and his death led to ascension of Joyce Banda to the high office.