Mutharika’s aide trashes ‘Mulhakolism’ claims, calls it propaganda
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika’s Personal Assistant Ben Phiri has trashed reports that some member of the party are accusing his boss of favouritism and failure to appreciate dedicated members, saying it is the work of propaganda machinery by government.
In a letter addressed to Mutharika, copied to party secretary general Jean Kalirani, signed by Boston Chiwaula and Eneless Mwalimba, the members want Mutharika to change his approach and consult more on issues.
But in an interview with Nyasa Times, Phiri questioned the credibility of the said concerned citizens and their interest in the party.
“First of all, where do these people come from or which party they belong? These are just people who have been sent by [government] e afraid with DPP’,” he said.
Phiri also dismissed claims that the selection of Saulos Chilima as presidential running mate in the forthcoming elections was not consultative.
He said by making such claims the grouping does not know the party structures.
“When they say the president did not consult what do they mean? DPP has membership from Nsanje to Chitipa tell me which party had consulted each member on the issue of running mate. We have the National Governing Council (NGC) and National Executive Council (NEC) which the president dully consulted.
“If the complaint was made by members from these groups then it could have been otherwise. Again, one wonders why they are targeting DPP because there are others parties which were on the verge of collapsing because some senior members wanted to resign soon after their running mates were announced. These people are just jealous because we are the only party with a cream of leadership,” he said.
The letter said Mutharika has created an inner circle involving his tribesmen which is managing the party at all levels.
They also argue the treasurer general has become very redundant since all payments are being made by Ben Phiri and Chimwemwe Chipungu.
However, Phiri said he only handles Mutharika’s personal money released on special occasions.
“The treasurer is an overseer on party finances while I always pay out Mutharika’s personal money on special occasions like condolence funds,” he said.
On Chipungu, he said as the party’s organising secretary, he is responsible for operations of all the parties function.
“You might also be aware that he was duly elected by the party convention and not the president,” he said.
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