Ben Phiri takes ‘sabbatical leave’ from State House: To graduate for doctorate

July 23, 2015 Nyasa Times Reporter 116 Comments

Ben Phiri, President Peter Mutharika’s longest serving aide and right-hand man, has gone on a ‘sabbatical leave’ until the dust settles on his recent resignation scandal, Nyasa Times has established.

Special Aide Ben Phri speaking to President Mutharika; I will be back
Special Aide Ben Phri speaking to President Mutharika; I will be back

Mutharika has allowed Phiri to take a low profile two months after a resignation circus, until the allegations of his wrongful self- enrichment cools off.

There was a circus at State House last May when Mutharika rejected Phiri’s resignation amid reports that he was an instant billionaire through dubious means.

Now Nyasa Times understands that Phiri is on sabbatical leave running his personal businesses before he resumes his role that has caused much controversy in governing DPP camp for years.

He is also expected to graduate with a doctorate degree from a university in England.

While there was a belief within the party that Phiri was finally neutralized, Nyasa Times sources revealed how inseparable Mutharika and his ‘special aide’ are.

Presidental aide on communications Bright Malopa and former legal advisor to late president Bingu wa Mutharika, Z Allan Ntata are some of those believed to have been on forefront fighting for Phiri’s
removal.

On May 25 Phiri announced through the media that he resigned as Mutharika’s personal aide and chief advisor before his boss issued a rebuttal firmly insisting his ‘Special Aide’ remains at State House.

Phiri claimed he had resigned to “pave way for investigations” following accusations that he was accumulating unexplained wealth through wrongful ventures.

A letter which he wrote the Chief of Staff indicated his resignation will be  with effect from June 1, “2105.’’

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116 replies on “Ben Phiri takes ‘sabbatical leave’ from State House: To graduate for doctorate”

  2. Real Drs like me have already noted that most comments here are from Mr Ben phiri’s friends and “paid” dpp boys who want to support Mr men phiri,do you think you are tricking anyone? Mwachepa Ana inu,advice to Ben,you are still young bro just go back to school,start with MSCE,then college,you will obtain a real Dr title bra,not these,they will just embarrass you,leave this to the old desperate folks,thank you.

  3. Comment 112 you are really hating bwinotu usazimangilile. You really think ben phiri oops sorry Dr. Ben Phiri has the time to be writting his own comments on this article? I have been following all the comments there are six negative ones so far including yours out of 113 nd you say they are hyped comments? Wakula watha hater wamkulu ntata usova ayise.

  4. Ben Phiri would u stop making ur own comments and together with your paid up friends?Ndi anyamata a Dpp amalemba zimenezi.Ndi nawepa mu town akulemba as a hype for their cohort Ben Phiri.Amalawi tilibe nsanje koma timadana ndi anthu olemera overnight thru cheap politics of Malawi.

  10. Amalawi nsanje ndiyomwe izatiphe. Timalimbana ndi zinthu zopanda mutu. Ine ngati wachinyamata ndakondwela nayo nkhani yoti ben akhala dr sopano. Keep it up. Ndibwela ku graduation saturday ino.

  11. Very humble and honest person hardworking I wish you well and Congratulations Dr Ben Phiri wana wachepa awa kutali God Bless you

  12. Big up Ben its a great achievement and success at 33. As a youngstar i really congratulate you. Go ben go!

  14. Big up ben you’re inspiring us to the great achievements and acadamic success by youngsters. As youngster my self am really proud of you. I salute you ben.

  15. How about a first degree, then a Masters Degree, then Doctorate and not the other way around fool!!!

  16. It is possible to enroll for Phd without Masters or Bachelors in UK. All you need is to convince the admissions board that you have outstanding experience like strategy formulation which I believe Che Ben Phiri can qualify. Word of Wisdom – Do not look down on your friends and give them limits as you will be shocked – such is the world.

  17. Hei, a PhD at a university in UK? Amawerenga nthawi chyan and walemba liti thesis mnyamata amenei?

  18. So why will you need to continue being an aide(or more respectfully, a personal assistant), albeit to a president, after getting a PhD?

  19. “Njoka saweta” anatero Chilima kkkkkkk
    Njoka ikupita kukapuma.
    Saulo aonekere ng’amba tsopano kkkkk

  22. Eh zoona madala. You are a humble young man no wonder you are so succesful. God bless you dr ben phiri.

  24. There is no way Ben Phiri can get a genuine PhD. He and his friends the likes of Malaopa and Ntata are all liers -they get poastions through crokedness. Malopa used to lie when he was at MBC that he has a master’s degree in marketing. Unfortunately he never mentioned where he obtained that degree. The truth is that he doesn’t have any qualification even MSCE. He only passed one subject at MSCE koma ukhrukhu fooling politicians in order to get jobs. Allan Ntata used to tell us the same story when he ran away from the arrest during the JB regime that he was in the UK reading for a PhD until he returned with nothing. He doesn’t say whether he finished his studies and graduated or not. Zikawavuta makhrukhu amenenewa amalowa m’mabodza. Which university is going to confer him a PhD and in which subject? Let him tell us his research area is the information that he should share with us if it is true – if they stay put zonse m’muzabodza. If you ask any of these boys, nobody will tell you of their experience about the job interviews- none of them has ever got a job through interviews – the criteria used as merit is their political allegiance, kunena mabodza, that’s why pano ayamba kuthyolana okha okha. Those who rise by the sword will fall by the same sword. The problem with their employers is that they don’t demand to have their certificates on file and auditors deliberately overlook this aspect because they don’t want to burn their fingers. Some of us for every job we got, employers have always demanded to see the certificates during the interviews and keep copies of those qualifications after offering us a job which remain in the personal files in the Human Resources department. The system in government is so corrupt and pathetic because auditors choose to let it go unnoticed.

  25. Let’s have more details. Where did he get his first degree & the field of study.
    Nice he joins dr muluzi, dr joice banda, and kachikho is on your heels.
    Moseliwa

  28. I worked with Ben Phiri he is very gentle up to now when I meet him he will always greet you with a small talk and you move on. That how people who are on top needs to be behave, I envy you continue with your ambition, those who are victimising you are not educated instead of continue with their education.

    God bless you as you will be on leave.

  30. Bwana apa mwaikanisa heavy. Anthu anakufunilani zoipa kuti ndi apm mudane koma zakanika. Explore the opportunity get your PhD and silence the cowards for good. Congrats.

  32. Any one can have a “doctorate” Bakili Muluzi, Shanilla Muluzi, Joice Banda, etc…all you need is a line with a “University” (a stupid one), to get it. These are called honourally degrees. Ben Phiri, without a Bachelors degree, could not have enrolled into any University and with his super involvement in politics and all, where was he getting the time to study, like the kind of study required for PhD? Which field is he pursuing his PhD in? These honorally degrees, Intelligent people don’t even use them. Mandela had thousands but never called himself Dr. Mandela. It is madeya that goes on to “use” it. Ben Phiri is getting a PhD for………..

  34. We have few malawians holding the prestigious title of PhD you have joined the elite club of those that have pursued studies to the end limit. Congrats Dr. Ben phiri.

  35. Ine msaname bwanawa ndimawafila. He is cool. Not emtional and master of his game. Inenso nditenge PhD basi pasavute. Big up Dr. Ben phiri!!

  37. We would like to encourage you Mr Ben Phiri to push harder for those dreams. When good and considerate people like you attain good education you pull with you so many others. I can see you facilitating scholarships for many young Malawians to follow in your path. Receive our moral support Ben

  38. Kodi Ben has a bachelors degree? from which institution? Does he has a Masters degree? we cant just jump onto a PhD

  39. Anyamata amajelasi mukumva pheni kwabasi. Ben is loyal to his boss apm thats why Gpd is rewarding him. Aim higher Ben Phiri.

  40. Dr Ben
    When the right time comes use every opportunity, there will be no other time boss than this.
    Use it to the maximum
    Congratulations bwana

  41. Mtengo omwe anthu amaugenda umakhala kuti muli zipatso. Inu bwana Dr. Ben ndinu asset. Congrats for your PhD.

  43. Ben phiri’s story is so inspiring for the younger generation. Not only is he promising leader but also he is an entreprising businesman that coupled with his academic credentials make him one one rising politicians to watch in next decade.

  44. Abwana timakunyadirani zedi pitilizani kutisungira Chipani chathu zabwino ife kuno kwa Chinsapo

  48. Jealous down very few would achieve what Dr Ben Phiri has achieved lets us unite and emulate such youthful success

  49. Fighting an innocent person always result in one thing. Abundant blessings to the victim. I salute you ben phiri first for your role in may 20 elections, second for your approach to barrage of insults you faced at hands of ntata and his boys such as chapita and malopa. Most malawians today look at you as victim of your own successes. Bravo Dr. Ben phiri.

  52. PHD. Tell us where he got his first degree and also his masters degree. M’maona ngati Phd masewela eti? Kuzolowela honoraly eti?

  56. I always feel encouraged when I see young men and women pursuing education. Ben wapanga zanzeru

  60. Anyone despising Ben for studying towards a PhD is missing the point. Before you know it, your noise will just help the brother propel towards his goal. You will wake up one day and realize kuti mzanu wasanduka Dr

  61. Barking jelousy dogs, mzanu asalemele?bwanji inuyo osakhala ben phiri ,ufiti chani?ku state house ndikunyumba kwa mbuyanu bwanji? Kusowa zochita ,pezani zochita.

  63. When things go bad in government everyone becomes an analyst pointing the blame on ben phiri for ill advising his boss yet when things seem to going in right direction like the reforms, appointment of AndrewnNyirenda as chief justice, ongoing reforms, lean cabinet and several other achievements nobody says a word. Ben phiri munthu wamkulu.

  66. Ben Phiri never ceases to amaze and inspire me, whilst ena ali busy kumumapangira maupo osiyansiyana iye akuyang’ana kwina kupanga mchere wake ndi abale ake. Enafe titengerepo phunziro apa, lets mind our own businesses

  68. Education is always key to one’s development and that of the country. Malawi needs her young men and women to strive for higher education always. Ben has made a bold move and it will surely pay dividends. I am encouraged and this has made me work harder and attain the qualificationsI desire.

  69. Nkhani yabwino Ben. I have known you for many years and you are a hard worker. Go and achieve your dreams brother

  70. Malawians, we should stop this tendency of jealousy. What Ben is doing is a good motivation for young Malawians. We should always aim higher and the sky should be the limit. Good job Ben, we are wishing you well in your studies

  71. Big up Ben, young and visionally leaders like you are what mother Malawi needs. Unfortunately haters will not agree, but they remain such, HATERS, hie Hater wa Ben, check this

  72. I am impressed with Ben Phiri, he is a fighter and not a quitter, only that he chooses his battles well. here he is again outclassing those who wish him bad. with a PHD, he will be a tactician and a half when he comes back

  73. Jealous issues aside. Ben phiri is so smart. He relates well with people of all levels, he has no time for beef with other people. All he does is to serve his master APM and his country to the best of his ability.

  74. it feels good when a young man is this ambitious, malawi needs more Ben Phiris, mwachita bwino ndipo ntchito yanu ikudikirani mukabwera kumaphunziroko ansanje asiyeni awa

  79. It is possible to work your way from Bachelor’s to PhD, as long as you graduate with an honours. Achina Matthews Ntumbuka anayendera yomweyo, so don’t be too surprised if Ben Phiri is to study PhD, straight from Bachelor’s.

    If he is earning all that through the hard work that comes with distance education then he is an inspiration to the nation. Well done Ben. Ife sititengera nawo mbali pa nkhani zongokhalira ku nyozana, zansanje.

  80. thetsa njala nthenda ndi NSANJE, vuto amalawi ndi NSANJE, SIUYO MUMATI WAKUBA AKUPITA KUKACHITA MAPHUNZIRO APAMWAMBA UYU

  82. Inu a Katakwe Mpandazina, we know how painful it is to fail a PhD. Why cant you let the Malawi nation know that you failed your PhD than fighting nzanu. Vuto enanu mukamapanga chinthu you want the whole world to know via facebook, twitter, instagram, and all available social networks. Some chose a low profile when doing such. Congratulations Ben Phiri PhD, MA,

  83. Ben Phiri ndiwe mamuna yakula ndi nsanje anthuwa,we will continue supporting you as our fellow youth osati ine lawyer osapesa komanso nzanga ovala masiketi Malopa ndi mkaladi nzathu Nkhutabasa.

  85. Comment 27 by Katakwe we all know you are hating so much. But God is a caring God he does not thing in human way otherwise ben phiri wouldnt have been where he is now. God has been with him throughout. You are a role model D. Phiri.

  86. Malawians, let us stop being jealous. Ben Phiri is simply setting standards for many young politicians to focus on education. That is very good social propaganda which we all must support

  88. Its about time we the youth of malawi stood together for the best interest of our country. We need to support each other regardless of our political differences. I havent been to malawi for past 15 years butbwhat I read online is not good for country. I even told ntata when i met him in Dubai that uf he has issues with ben let him call him and meet and talk over those issues than fighting in public like that. So far, ben’s handling of the issue has been very mature. Keep it that way Dr. Ben Phiri.

  89. A doctorate degree. That shall mean what? Does it mean a Ph.D.,Sc.D.,M.B.B.S.,M.B.Ch.B,B.Ch.D, etc etc. Honestly, we know that he has just obtained his first ever Bachelors degree through distance learning from a Diploma mill in the U.K. It’s surprising. Assignments were being written by others including his brother Martin Nkasala. We know if he puts his degree on the market, he is unemployable unless through political connections. By the way, why is he doing the so called doctorate. To those who don’t know, a Ph.D. prepares one for an academic,research work mostly.In other words, production of crucible knowledge. I doubt whether he is suitable for that. If he is doing it, then he is doing it for self egotistic reasons. Anyway if so congratulations. Let me therefore give him a political advice. Honestly you don’t have a profession worthy exhibiting other than being political. We know how much you stole money from APM during campaign, claiming for research which in fact wasn’t research at all. Secondly, your not entitled for long sabbatical holidays in the public service when other deserving public servants are denied the same. This is corruption, otherwise resign.We shall also investigate who is paying your tuition. If it is government we will see whether rules and regulations were followed.

  90. Kodi kukonda kudelelana bwanji nzanu akulimbikila inu muli busy pa online media mwanena nokhatu he is busy running personal business akagula Jet ndisakunveni mukunamanso he is an instant billionaire,am happy you know he runs his personal businesses.Congrants Mr Phiri on your Phd.

  91. Enanu ndi nsanje basi . Mwagwila ndiponso mugwila dzaka zambiiri simufanana naye munthuyu. Shame on you. Anyway that is why i hate to be called a MALAWIAN chifukwa cha agalu ngati inu

  92. Bwana wake Professor of Law. Iyeyo Doctorate from a well known university in England bravo Dr. Ben Phiri. Dpp woyeeeeee.

  95. To be awarded a Doctorate Degree with that type of English he wrote in his resignation letter? My foot!

  97. You have taken your critics by surprise. While they were busy fighting you, you were busy working pn furthering your studies. Soon you will be called Dr. Ben Phiri wow that sounds great.

  100. That is the way to go young man. As people tried to clip your wings little did they know they are setting you free for greater things. God bless u

  101. If Ben was some evil minded person he could have done bad things already on malopa and ntata but nah he has maintained his calmness. He has chosen not to fight dirty with his detractors. Surely you cant accuse that person of misleading the president. Keep it that way ben phiri do your studies and the sky will be your limit.

  103. Bwana Ise kuno tikumowongani kuti you have Qualities of Leadership therefore we wish you well.

  104. Im impressed with Your level headedness Ben i must admit. You are smart, intelligent and shrewed. You really wish this country well. All the best and congratulations on your PhD studies.

  107. Ooooh, to obtain Phd? In what field research? All the best the upcoming Dr. Phiri. DPP woyeeeee!

  108. Asign of failure! Ben must not come back toMalawi and occupy such high office. He is a THIEF, CHEAT and PLUNDERER.

  111. Thats the way to go Ben. You have done the most honarable thing. You are the future of Malawi. Our country needs patriotic young men like you.

  112. ABen, you can’t write a proper resignation letter pano mukuti mukukapanga gala ya PhD cholinga mudzatenge uPulezidenti?? Nde za Izeki ndi Jakobotu

  113. Ben is a think thank.He deserves this doctorate .Congratulations are in order.Nsanje bwanji inu sha! pangani yanu tiiwone.

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