By Allan Ngumuya
Who actually advises President Chakwera? Who is really running the affairs of this government? I ask this seriously because since this administration took power, Chakwera has proven to be one of the weakest presidents Malawi has ever had — particularly in decision-making and taking timely action.
Let’s reflect: we’ve had fertilizer procurement scandals — fertilizer sourced from a butchery, a pharmacy, even seemingly from thin air — and then it just vanished. Then came the grand announcement that the Bridgin Foundation would fund Malawi to the tune of $6.8 billion. Not kwacha — dollars. One official even proudly emphasized the “B” in billion, trying to make skeptics like myself look like fools.
I warned them about the Bridgin scam. I personally called Hon. Thyolera, one of the President’s advisors, and gave him a strong warning. But I was ignored. Now look at the mess. Why didn’t they just listen? This demonstrates a failure in the President’s advisory team. Are these truly his advisors?
And now, after all this, the President turns to the Nthungwa issue in Nkhata Bay — as if jumping to a new start. Yet no one seems to be advising him properly on matters of national sensitivity. Consider these questions:
- Mr. President, why didn’t you and the late Vice President visit the crash site or the affected community within the week of the incident? You’ve been to Mzuzu many times since, yet showed no visible sign of mourning or concern. Why now?
- Mr. President, the family of Dr. Chilima is holding a private memorial service in Nsipe. Yet you have scheduled your own public memorial on the very same date? Seriously? If I were you, I would fire whoever made this plan — this is a massive oversight.
- Mr. President, what are you trying to tell Malawians? You are repeatedly advised poorly, or you ignore the advice given. This reflects not only bad leadership but also hints of selfishness.
- Mr. President, would you, personally, attend a memorial for a public servant without involving the deceased’s family?
- Mr. President, it appears you have no real advisors. And as a person — be it Pastor, Reverend, Bishop, or simply a father figure — what is going on in your mind? As a fellow Malawian, would you feel it’s appropriate to host a funeral gathering for someone else’s family member without their consent — and on the same day they are holding theirs?
Worse still, your event will be held not at the actual homestead but in a borrowed venue far from the family. In Ntcheu, we say:
“Nkonze nkonze anasupula maliro aweni.”
If your gathering on June 10 is political in nature, then it truly amounts to hijacking Chilima’s funeral.
You may believe your event honors the eight others who perished in the plane crash, but without involving Chilima’s family, it amounts to hollow words and empty prayers.
- Mr. President, are you truly a family man? If I had a wife, I am certain she would advise me better than what I see coming from your inner circle.
Fellow Malawians, wisdom often comes in broad daylight, and when truth appears, it exposes all. Let us wait and see how the MCP and President Chakwera respond on September 16, when candles will be lit across Nsipe in Ntcheu and all districts of Malawi on June 10, 2025. This candlelight vigil will expose everything that was hidden under the cover.
