The Tonse Alliance government of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has asked the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to give to the government an exact date former president Bingu Wa Mutharika died for government to start recognizing his memorial services.
The request follows a confusion that ensured during Bingu’s death as there was not clear information on the exact date.
The first placard showed that Bingu Wa Mutharika died on April 5, 2012 while the other placard showed that the former President died on April 6, 2012.
But lately the family has adopted April 5, 2012 as the date DPP founder died.
Speaking in Parliament today government Chief Whip Jacob Hara asked DPP and the family to come out clear on the exact date when Bingui wa Mutharika died.
Hara said this when responding to a question by Mwanza central legislator Nicholas Dausi who wanted to know why the ministry of culture has not made any statement to recognize the memorial which is taking place today in Thyolo.
On his part Minister of Tourism and Culture Michael Usi told the house that he was not invited as a Minister to take part in the ceremony.
When contacted for comment Chairperson of the main organising committee for Bingu memorial service, Francis Mphepo admitted that no official invitation was sent to President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and some government officials.
Mphepo said the party offered an open invitation which was broadcasted on various media outlets in the country.
Bingu’s memorial service is currently underway and Peter Mutharika and his wife Gertrude, former president Bakili Muluzi and UDF President Atupele Muluzi as well as Leader of Opposition in parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa are in attendance.
