Kaliati tells JB: Return home, govt ready to give all benefits
Minister of Information Patricia Kaliati has asked former president Joyce Banda to return home and has since assured her that the government will give her all her benefits and privileges including security detail.
The development comes few days after some People’s Party (PP) officials attacked the government for failing to provide the former head of state with maximum security following a robbery attack at her Chinthence residence in Nkhatabay few days ago.
Kaliati is quoted by the Daily Times claiming the government is keen at upholding the constitution of the Republic of Malawi.
“Government is keen at upholding the constitution and we are ready to provide all the benefits and privileges beffiting any former president, unless you tell me that she sneaked into the country without our knowledge and then she was robbed,” she is quoted as saying.
“Let her come back home and see if we will not live to what the constitution stipulates,” added the government spokesperson.
Kaliati went on to blame the former leader for failing to cooperate with the government in identifying her desirable official
residence a year ago.
“The nation is aware that the government made a number of offers to former president but she turned all of them down saying they were not befitting enough even when we asked them to identify a place where we can provide her all the security they failed to do that,” Kaliati said.
Meanwhile, PP Spokesperson Ken Msonda and a top official based in South Africa, Humphrey Mhango said the security of Banda and the nation at large is at stake.
“We are appealing to have her security detail reinstated as mandated by the constitution,” said Mhango adding that they will seek the intervention of African Union (AU) and other international bodies.
Msonda cited attacks at the house of Vice President Saulos Chilima in Mwanza and the house of Minister of Lands Atupele Muluzi as a sign that the country is no longer safe.
Meanwhile, a top PP officials has confided in Nyasa Times that Banda is willing to come back home.
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I do not have any problem whether JB stays abroad or not. Afterall she has that freedom to stay in any country so long she has valid papers. Matchona onsewa alikunjawa bwanji simukuwaitana kuti muzawapatse ntchitokapena malo olima? zankutu!
Mtumizileni a security komweko
Those who have nothing to hide do not fear. Those who have nothing to fear are free.
Kukamwa ngati wadya dzipwete dzalunda(dzowawa.)
Abale kodi JB adakalipo? Dzina limeneli ndidalimva mpakanthawi akumveka ndi zokuba ndalama ku capital hill komanso zokhuzana ndi imfa ya Grace Chinga.
Iwe kaliati sudzatheka, akuchotsanso uwona!
koma amaiwa ..kungopasidwa udindo wa information minister basi nkhani yoyamba ikhale ya JB koma yaaa azimai…
Kwanunkwanu mthengo mudalaka njoka,just come,this is your country.
She was a good president, Cashgate was caused by burocrats of the previous DPP government, Still waiting to learn who took 577 billion during the Bingu reign, and how Bingu acquired 90 billion, which his family is fighting in court. How much is enough to survive in Malawi when most people have nothing. The courts should seize Bingu’s money and replenish the maize reserves until the family can prove where it came from. Government is lying will not pay JB benefits it cannot even pay BWB for the police use of water Benefits should have been paid to JB even… Read more »
Folks, let us applaud newly appointed I M Hourable P. Kaliati for coming open in this issue regarding the former president her excellency Joyce Banda. She went away on her own out of fear of unknown. The Information Minister is trying to clear the air from rumour mongering around the former president. Bear in mind Hourable Patricia Kaliati is a senior and seasoned cabinet minister, whether one likes it or not she is one of the finest capable MP and Minister as well. For reference please go ask local people from her constituency and personnel she had worked with in… Read more »