President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has trashed rumours hovering on the social media that he has fired his controversial Press Officer Gerald Viola for calling him a puppet, saying he is not aware of the development.

The development comes barely a day after Viola also dismissed the claims in an interview with one of the privately owned radio MIJ fm.

Commenting on the development, Mutharika told Daily Times that he has not taken any action against Viola.

“Those are just rumours. Do not take them seriously. There is nothing of that sort,” Mutharika was quoted as saying.

Although this is the case, State House on Tuesday sidelined Viola at the official opening of Lilongwe West Bypass road where President Mutharika was the guest of hounor.

Viola was reduced to a spectator as former presidential press officer Timpuza Mwansambo directed the event as master of ceremony.

Meanwhile social media reports indicate that Mutharika is considering hiring Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Journalist Mzati Nkolokosa.