No Comment From Govt After Denying Bushiri Access To Bingu Stadium

Government has reserved its comment on issues surrounding Prophet Shepherd Bushiri after Bingu National Stadium (BNS) management denied the prophet access to the stadium for his crossover event.

On Saturday, the leader of Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) was served with a letter that the decision made earlier to allow the church for the event has been re-considered citing a number of reasons.

According to the letter seen by this publication the global pandemic Coronavirus was among the reason which forced the BNS management to deny Bushiri access to the Stadium arguing that the event is likely to attract more people than required by the Stadium hence violating Covid-19 prevention guidelines.

Adding to that, the statement argued that soon the Stadium will undergo inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hence making it difficult to maintain the Stadium after the anticipated damages that might be caused by the event.

Today, during the weekly presidential briefing, Brian Banda, spokesperson for President Lazarus Chakwera said the president does not operate the Stadium hence he could not say anything regarding the matter.

Banda added that all questions related to the matter must be addressed to those in charge of the stadium.

Ephraim Nyondo, Bushiri and ECG’s spokesperson confirmed receiving the letter but could not give more details as he only said that they will communicate in due course of any developments coming out of the issue.

Weeks ago Bushiri announced of the big event to be held in Malawi after all the similar events were being held in South Africa where he is wanted to answer fraud and money laundering charges together with his wife, Mary.

Reacting to the development, Malawians on Social Media have faulted government saying they would have been the first ones to make Bushiri feel at home by letting him use resources every Malawian is entitled to use.

Adding to that others said this would have been the chance for Malawi to collect more forex since the event is attracting people from other countries “economically Malawi would have benefited”

Contrary to what others are saying, some have commended government on the move to deny Bushiri access to the Stadium saying the disagreement between South Africa and Malawi on the Bushiri issue is not yet over hence it is unwise for government to accommodate him in such a way.

Some cited security as the main reason government has decided to deny Bushiri access to the stadium.

Meanwhile, Bushiri is yet to comment on the matter.