Opposition lawmakers led by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Friday refused to take a group photograph with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at Parliament building in the capital Lilongwe.
Chakwera on Friday opened the 50th session of Parliament with a State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Parliament building in the capital Lilongwe.
As per tradition after the address, the President is supposed to take a group photo outside Parliament building with lawmakers from all parties.
But opposition MPs led by leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa refused to take up the offer by conducting an impromptu briefing.
Speaking to the press Nankhumwa has said they will use the session to put government in right track for the country to deal with various socioeconomic challenges.
Turning to sackcloth displayed by the MPs Nankhumwa said the MPs from his side today decided to put on sack cloth to pass a message to the President that Malawians are suffering.
He said, despite allocating K109 billion for AIP, their constituents have not yet accessed the fertilizer.
According to Nankhumwa, others have only accessed NPK. He says the country this year will experience hunger than ever experienced before.
Giving clarity on the conduct by ‘MCP and State House officials’ who were exchanging words with Parliamentarians when President Chakwera was delivering his SONA, Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa said the individuals were threatening MPs.
“They were taking pictures and threatening to beat us when we leave the House. Honorable Kilekwa was scared because of such threats,” said Nankhumwa.
Ned Poya of Zomba Ntonya and Kamlepo Kalua of Rumphi East have also condemned the conduct of the said individuals.
