By Chancy Namadzunda
Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Kondwani Nankhumwa has described President Lazarus Chakwera’s National Address empty as it left a lot of questions unanswered.
Apart from firing Minister of Agriculture Lobin Lowe and his deputy Madalitso Kambawuwa Wirima, Chakwera tackled various issues surrounding the Affordable Input Program (AIP) mainly on unconfirmed reports that Malawi was duped K30 billion by British firm.
However, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Nankhumwa said while it was imperative to remove the two individuals, he expected the President to take further steps to deal with the technical staff that connived with the former minister in the infamous K750 million AIP scandal.
“I wish to inform the President that firing Honourable Lowe alone would not solve electricity and fuel woes this country is currently facing. Mr. President, firing Honourable Lowe is not addressing the ADMARC issues; it is not going to bring food and water in our prisons.
“I wish to remind President Chakwera that a bag of maize, our staple, is selling at K22,000, and a bag of fertilizer is still at K70,000, even after firing Honourable Lowe. A packet of sugar is now selling at K1,500 even after firing Honourable Lowe. What about the shortage of essential drugs in our hospitals; the continuing nepotism; and unfair distribution of the national cake?
“Indeed, Mr. President, what about the missing of 18 trucks that were carrying NFRA Maize? Malawians deserve more from you Mr President apart from firing Lowe. It is unfortunate that you are scapegoating and heaping the blame on others instead of taking responsibility as Head of State yourself,” he said
Nankhumwa said he will soon address the nation to comprehensively put across their position as the opposition on the matters raised in the President’s National Address and will also be announcing their next course of action regarding the social and economic situation in our country.
