Leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa has spoken against the demonstrations organized by some Malawians trading under the banner ‘Mbadwa Zokhudzika’ scheduled for this coming Friday aimed at forcing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Martha Chizuma to resign from her post.
In the statement Nankhumwa has described the demonstrations as ill-timed.
“Today, we have noted that a certain group has obtained permission to protest and ask for the removal of Ms. Chizuma from office. The group’s right to protest is inviolable and is guaranteed in the Constitution of Malawi. I wish to believe that this is not a carefully orchestrated attempt to have Ms. Chizuma actually dismissed on the basis of this group’s request.
“Corruption is an enemy of social and economic progress. The nation requires genuine political will to end corruption,” reads part of the statement.
Nankhumwa has faulted the Tonse Alliance government of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of failing to protect Chizuma in the fight against corruption in the country.
“However, in October 2021, a new case came to light that would allegedly lead to key players in the Chakwera administration being tainted by allegations of corruption. Since then, we have sensed a change in the body language of government. First, a civil servant recorded Ms. Chizuma in the course of phone conversation,” said Nankhumwa.
He added: “Instead of holding that person who recorded Ms. Chizuma accountable, including prosecuting him, President Chakwera publicly chastised Ms. Chizuma and created an environment in which she must work in fear. In his speech of 24 January 2022, President Chakwera said he would be watching Ms. Chizuma closely.
“Since then, there have been many attempts to still use the leaked audio to fire Ms. Chizuma. Although, President Chakwera and members of his cabinet have publicly made pronouncements that they support Ms. Chizuma, their general body language seems to suggest otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Nankhumwa has vowed to rally behind Chizuma in the fight against corruption in Malawi.
