Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi has asked former Mzimba North Member of Parliament Yelemiah Chihana for allegedly backing President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on the Customary Land Bill which will see Malawians especially those in the Village paying tax for the land they inherited from their ancestors.

Speaking during the Ghonapamuhanya celebrations over the weekend at Bolero in Rumphi, Chihana said the people of Rumphi and all Chiefs in the district are happy with the new law regarding the Customary Land Bill.

He further said that the Land law has come at the right time as most Malawians will have powers over their own land.

Reacting to Chihana remarks, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe expressed shock over the remarks, saying Chihana had no powers to speak for the people of Rumphi.

“Chihana is from Elunyeni in Mzimba so for him to speak on behalf of people and Chiefs of Rumphi is very unfortunate. The Customary Land Bill was passed in a hasty and Mutharika should consider sending back the bill to Parliament for further scrutiny.

“We the people of Rumphi will not support this law and we want Chihana to apologize for his remarks,” said Chikulamayembe.

When contacted for comment Yelemiah Chihana was not available for comments.

Meanwhile President Mutharika has assent the Customary Land Bill into law.