Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councillor for Blantyre City Soche East Ward Leonard Chimbanga has blasted President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for snubbing leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa’s request to appear before Parliament.
Last week, Nankhumwa wrote President Chakwera to respond to the scarcity of maize, fertilizer, and acute forex shortages.
In the other motion, he demanded that Chakwera give reasons for his government’s insistence on using the national identity card as the only document to register in the voter’s roll amidst the challenges facing the exercise.
However, presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda said the president cannot meddle in legislative affairs.
“The two motions were defeated, and the President cannot impose himself on Parliament. When there is a consensus, the President gets communication from the office of the Speaker,” said Kasunda.
Reacting to this Chimbanga described Chakwera’s action as a missed opportunity.
“By turning down the Leader of the opposition Hon Nankhumwa’s call to show up at Parliament and answer questions President Chakwera has actually missed an opportunity to manage the dwindling public perception.
“Anthony Kasunda ought to advise his boss well. In politics the minute any leader starts avoiding the electorate and public scrutiny you should realize that the doubt and the fear is at center stage. Political capital is more important than accountability and servant leadership. It started by stopping the Sean Tsanzo Kampondeni state house briefing, the report back meetings from foreign visits,denying reporters to ask questions to have controlled address then development rallies,” said Nankhumwa.
He added: “Sadly these actions and strategies are further undermining the little public confidence in the Chakwera administration, it might look wise but the colletaral damage is huge. Mr President these are the people who elected you and employed you and owe them an explanation. You been AWOL on a number of matters and this is out of character from the president Chakwera I know.”
