By Vincent Gunde

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda, has described Kamuzu Banda as more than a political leader saying he was a symbol of resistance, resilience, and the unyielding belief in Malawi’s capacity to govern themselves with pride and purpose.

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Chithyola Banda said Kamuzu Banda suffered persecution and imprisonment in Gweru not for personal ambition, but for the liberation of a people who had known nothing but colonial subjugation.

He said Kamuzu Banda stood for unity, the conviction that Malawi was one people regardless of tribe, religion, or tongue saying he stood for discipline and excellence while demanding the highest standards in public life.

Writing in a statement marking Kamuzu Day in Malawi, Chithyola Banda said under Kamuzu Banda’s leadership, roads were built, hospitals and schools were established, airports were constructed, manufacturing companies were operationalized, and the foundation of a modern state was laid.

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Chithyola Banda said Kamuzu championed economic, self determination and instilled in this nation a sense of dignity and pride that Malawians must not allow to die.

He said his political persecution journey took him through Magwero to the cells of Lumbadzi Police Station, not for any crime against the nation, but for daring to speak truth to power and for upholding the democratic values that are the birthright of every Malawian.

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The Leader of Opposition said Kamuzu Banda was not silenced, and Malawians learnt from the best, saying the current opposition doesn’t exist as an enemy of the state but as a guardian of the people”s rights.

” I condemn in strongest terms possible the use of governance and law enforcement institutions to intimidate, arrest, and suppress dissent, Ngwazi told us that Gweru was not enough for him to lose focus,” reads part of Chithyola Banda’s statement in part.

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He said Lumbadzi is too small, an intimidation to make them cower saying they will not bend just as Kamuzu was fearless – they will hoist their banners of economic freedom and deliverance higher without relenting, and no mortal being will stop them for theirs is calling but divine.

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Chithyola Banda said the Malawi people have today, is a betrayal of Kamuzu’s vision observing that the cost of living has risen far beyond the reach of ordinary citizens, the agricultural sector, the very backbone of the country’s economy, and the livelihood of the majority, has been tactfully neglected.