Mist over Mutharika’s meeting with Obama
The much touted meeting between Peter Mutharika, leader of Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President Barack Obama is not clear when it will take place despite the Malawian politician already in the United States.
Mutharika’s aides say he will meet Obama.
Nyasa Times made attempts to independently verify the meeting with United States government. An official at US Foreign Secretary could not confirm about any scheduled meeting between the Malawian opposition leader with Obama.
The official said Obama left Washington with his family for a Christmas break in Hawaii on Friday night.
The American President had scheduled a long break, according to the White House.
But in a statement, Obama suggested he would be back in Washington next week, much earlier than he had planned.
DPP acting secretary-general Dr Allan Chiyembekeza insisted that Mutharika will meet Obama, saying they are long time buddies.
He explained that their relationship dates back in 2004 when Obama was campaigning for a senator’s position in Chicago’s south side where Mutharika has one of the biggest law firms with more than 200 black and white lawyers – currently being run by his son.
From United States, Mutharika will proceed to the United Kingdom he will meet government officials.
Mutharika who succeeded his late brother, President Bingu wa Mutharika following his sudden death in April, has publicly declared that he has ambitions to lead DPP in the 2014 elections as presidential candidate.
The party will hold an official convention next April. It’s believed that lamwaker Henry Mussa and current Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu will challenge him.
He was recently tipped by Nation on Sunday to be the likely winner of 2014 presidential contest followed by United Democratic Front (UDF) youthful presidential candidate Atupele Austin Muluzi, and then distant third incumbent, Joyce Banda.
Mutharika is also reportedly planning to purchase a helicopter and a jet to use in the 2014 elections.
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