There was drama at Kamuzu Palace on Thursday during a press conference held by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on his recent trip to the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) as his Press Officer went off track and started attacking the media for exposing Mutharika’s extravagance.

Presidential Press Officer Gerald Viola instead of going straight in reading Mutharika’s communiqué as assigned by the President, he started accusing the media of ‘irresponsible’ reporting.

Although he did not mention the exact media house he was referring to, it was understood that Viola was attacking Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).

Viola went further saying he was not surprised by the said ‘irresponsible media house’ as it once covered live the death of late President Bingu wa Mutharika as football match.

“Abwana, enafe sitikudabwa kuti wailesi imeneyi imayankhula zimenezi chifukwa ndi omwe aja brother wanu atamwalira, imachemelera ngati mpira,” Viola was quoted as saying.

The remarks sparked commotion among Malawians who accused Viola of being a fortune seeker.

Commenting on Viola’s remarks, one of the human right activists in the country Billy Mayaya said Viola spoiled the whole press conference.

“Gerald Viola only made things worse,” wrote Mayaya on his official Facebook page.

Meanwhile Mutharika has described his trip to UN as fruitful.