Residents of Nkhata Bay are protesting President Chakwera’s choice to have ministers verify projects claimed in his SONA, arguing it compromises integrity and credibility. Analysts and the Malawi Law Society criticize this decision, emphasizing the need for accurate public information. Amid mounting pressure for ministerial accountability, public demands for a government reshuffle are growing as trust erodes.
Residents of Nkhata Bay and other stakeholders have voiced strong objections to President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to involve ministers in verifying projects outlined in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). Many believe this undermines the credibility of the verification process, as the same ministers may have previously misled the president regarding these projects.
Local resident Andrew Katuwa Banda criticized this approach, warning that it could negatively impact Chakwera’s political future. He remarked, “What Chakwera has done assigning the very same ministers who deceived him is like digging his own political grave.” This sentiment was echoed by political analyst Thomas Chirwa, who stated that allowing these officials to verify their own previous reports raises significant doubts about the integrity of the entire process.
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has condemned the government’s decision, calling it a significant error. Patrick Mpaka, President of MLS, emphasized that it is the president’s duty to provide accurate information to the public rather than relying on ministers who may defend statements that are potentially misleading.
As dissatisfaction grows due to revelations that some projects mentioned in Chakwera’s SONA do not actually exist, there is escalating pressure on the president to take decisive action. The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has demanded the dismissal of the ministers and officials who misled the public, labeling the situation as both “shocking” and “highly embarrassing.”
Public outrage continues, with many citizens advocating for a complete reshuffle of the cabinet as a means to restore trust in government. As circumstances evolve, the Malawian populace is keenly observing whether President Chakwera will take the necessary actions or maintain his support for the ministers under scrutiny.
The residents of Nkhata Bay have strongly opposed President Chakwera’s decision to use the same ministers to verify projects noted in the SONA, arguing it undermines credibility. Calls for ministerial accountability are intensifying, with groups like HRDC demanding immediate action to restore public trust. The future of Chakwera’s political standing hangs in the balance as pressure mounts for him to act decisively.
Original Source: malawi24.com
