As debate continues over the recent exceptional leadership award conferred to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika by a London based Magazine, Malawians especially those on social media have trashed the award, saying Mutharika does not deserve the award.

Many Malawians said the award is not a true reflection of how things are on the ground and others even cited issues like persistent power blackouts, dry water taps, lack of drugs in hospitals and high crime rate in the country.

Lloyd M Kafwamake wrote: “This man he is worse president in the history of Malawi he did nothing and he doesn’t deserve that award.”

Another man identified as Chifundo Mdala said: “A misplaced honour.”

Pen Nieto Liz wrote: “Za misala zokhazokha basi popeza ndi aku London akanakhala ndi a Malawi anzathu akanaona polekera amenewo.”

On his part, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) Executive Director Timothy Mtambo said Mutharika’s award is an overstatement of how things are in the country.

Mtambo urged those people conferring awards to Mutharika to come in Malawi and have a feel of the country’s hardships.

African Leadership Magazine conferred on Mutharika the African Leadership Award and Medal of Honour in recognition of his outstanding posturing as one of the continent’s thought leaders.

The Magazines also recognized other leaders such as former presidents Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, John Kufuor of Ghana, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Mo Ibrahim, founder of Mo Ibrahim Prize for Leadership, United Kingdom-based magazine’s publisher and chief executive officer Ken Giami said the President was recognised for his “outstanding posturing” as one of Africa’s most distinguished thought leaders and champion of the masses.