By Burnett Munthali
Allan Ngumuya, a veteran musician and former Member of Parliament, has sparked public debate after launching a scathing attack on President Lazarus Chakwera.
Ngumuya described the President as “dumb,” a word many consider deeply disrespectful, especially when directed at a head of state.
He made these remarks in response to President Chakwera’s controversial comments during the recent official opening of the Kanengo tobacco auction floors in Lilongwe.
During the event, President Chakwera appeared to dismiss the role of university graduates in national development while praising tobacco farmers.
Ngumuya, visibly disturbed by the remarks, accused Chakwera of insulting the youth, particularly graduates who are already struggling with high unemployment rates.
He questioned whether the President was being serious or simply trying to gain cheap popularity among tobacco growers.
“Is he really serious?” Ngumuya asked in disbelief, addressing a group of local reporters and fans who had gathered to hear his reaction.
According to Ngumuya, it is not only unwise but dangerous for a national leader to pit one sector of the population against another.
He argued that graduates and farmers should be seen as partners in development, not as rivals competing for the President’s favor.
Ngumuya reminded the nation that graduates represent the future of Malawi — people trained to contribute to sectors such as health, education, science, and governance.
He warned that belittling their contributions sends a dangerous message that could demotivate an entire generation.
The artist and former MP further emphasized that farmers are indeed critical to Malawi’s economy, especially in agriculture-driven exports like tobacco.
However, he insisted that both farmers and graduates play unique, indispensable roles in the country’s growth.
To insult one group in an attempt to elevate another, Ngumuya stated, is not only short-sighted but divisive.
He went on to criticize what he called “political showmanship,” where leaders say controversial things just to gain applause from one audience while alienating another.
Ngumuya warned that such rhetoric could further polarize an already divided nation and erode public trust in leadership.
He urged President Chakwera to reconsider his tone when addressing public gatherings, especially those that are broadcast to a national audience.
Public speeches, Ngumuya said, should inspire unity, dignity, and hope — not confusion and frustration.
He challenged the President to offer concrete solutions to graduate unemployment instead of making dismissive remarks.
Ngumuya also suggested that Chakwera should organize a national dialogue between policymakers, educators, and students to address the growing concerns of youth in the country.
Malawi, Ngumuya said, is at a crossroads, and it needs thoughtful leadership, not inflammatory rhetoric.
He concluded his remarks by calling on other public figures, including clergy, civil society leaders, and traditional authorities, to speak out when leaders overstep their bounds.
The controversy continues to spark heated discussion on social media, with many young people expressing disappointment over the President’s tone.
Some commenters praised Ngumuya for his boldness, saying he spoke truth to power at a time when many remain silent.
Others, however, criticized him for using strong language, suggesting that a more respectful critique would have been more appropriate.
Despite differing opinions, one thing is clear: the relationship between the government and its youth is increasingly strained.
And if the voices of graduates, farmers, and artists like Allan Ngumuya are anything to go by, Malawians are no longer willing to sit quietly while their dignity is under threat.
The ball, now, is in the President’s court.
