Controversial Presidential Press Officer Gerald Viola has trashed rumours hovering on the social media that he has been fired from his position over alleged claims that he called President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as a puppet.

In an inclusive interview on Saturday, Viola is alleged to have said that Mutharika is not in control of things at State House as most of the appointments are made by his aide vindicating the claims by Z Allan Ntata.

“The mistake that was made earlier is that some of the appointments were not made by the president. People close to the President decide who should be given positions. Even now, there are people working in government which the President does not even know,” Viola is quoted as saying.

According to reports, the remarks did not go down well with the President who ordered for his immediate firing.

Speaking in an interview during a ‘Good Morning’ programmed aired on MIJ Fm on Tuesday, Viola trashed the rumours and accused the media of fabricating stories to tarnish his image.

Viola also denied the claims as quoted by Malawi News of Saturday 31, 2015 that President Mutharika is planning to purchase a new Jet once the economy is back on track, saying he was missed quoted.

“Ikanakhala kuti dziko limatukuka pamene anthuake ngodziwa kupeka ndi kulemba nkhani zabodza komanso nakhala a nsanje- Malawi akanapikisana ndi China kapenanso America pa chuma chaka,” Viola was quoted as saying.

Viola has further urged the media in the country to first verify information.

Viola recently received heavy criticism from all corners for attacking the media for exposing Mutharika’s extravagance.