Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the South Dr. George Chaponda who is also former Minister of Agriculture has vowed to remain loyal to former President Peter Mutharika.
Chaponda’s remarks come barely hours after a stanch DPP member Kondwani Nankhumwa unveiled his political party in Blantyre named Peoples Development Party (PDP).
Writing on his official facebook page Chaponda said he cherish loyalty and he find it difficult when others struggle to implement it.
“Let me underscore that I am always committed to our leader, Professor Arthur Mutharika, and the Mighty Democratic Progressive Party.
“When the late Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika died a few years ago, I stood by the DPP and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. For those who don’t know, in 2012 the then-President offered me a ministerial position, but guess what? I declined. Why? Loyalty,” wrote Chaponda.
He added: “I should point out that being loyal requires strength. I had every motive to abandon my party, as did many others, but devotion compelled me to stick with the party and the people I had promised to serve.
“Loyalty is not the “shortcut to profits,” but it is the only long-term solution. The truth always emerges. Sometimes it’s immediate. Sometimes it takes years. Remember how they banded together against me and placed the maize gate case on my head. Thanks to the courts for acquitting me, despite the fact that I was crucified in public.
“Just recently when we had camps in our party, I maintained my loyalty and belonged to the DPP camp led by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“Friends, you cannot fake loyalty. Fakers are greedy individuals who believe they can manipulate karma. Be authentic and committed to your decision.
“I have chosen the DPP, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, and will continue to do so.”
Chaponda is posed to take over the post of leader of opposition in Parliament following the resignation of Nankhumwa.
