A nation does not develop with lies: Dr. George Phiri calls out President Chakwera’s fictional SONA
Political scientist Dr. George Phiri has criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as a speech filled with fiction rather than facts. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Capital Radio on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Dr. Phiri questioned why leaders feel the need to make false claims about development projects that do not exist.
“Why should leaders tell lies that they have done something when they haven’t?” he asked, referring to President Chakwera’s SONA delivered in Orlando on Friday, February 14, 2025. According to Dr. Phiri, the address was filled with misleading statements about progress in infrastructure, economic growth, and social development. However, when these claims are fact-checked against reality, it becomes clear that many of them are untrue.
Dr. Phiri expressed concern over the growing trend of leaders exaggerating achievements to impress citizens rather than working towards tangible development. He argued that such deception not only misleads the public but also undermines national progress. “A nation does not develop with lies,” he stressed. “It develops when leaders are truthful, accountable, and committed to real progress.”
Dr. Phiri noted that the consequences of misleading the nation are far-reaching. When leaders make claims that do not match reality, they erode public trust. Citizens who initially supported the government begin to feel betrayed, and this disillusionment can lead to political instability. “Trust is the foundation of governance,” he explained. “Once the people lose faith in their leaders, it becomes difficult to restore credibility.”
His comments come amid increasing frustration among Malawians who feel that the government has not delivered on its promises. Several development projects mentioned in the SONA, such as road construction, healthcare improvements, and economic reforms, have not materialized. For example, reports from Rumphi West suggest that key projects such as the Kamphenda Health Centre and the Rumphi-Nyika-Chitipa road remain incomplete or nonexistent, despite being highlighted as successes in the President’s speech.
Dr. Phiri compared Chakwera’s leadership style to that of former President Bingu wa Mutharika, who famously stated, “Let the work of my hands speak for me.” He explained that Mutharika believed in demonstrating progress through action rather than words. Instead of making empty pronouncements, his government focused on tangible results that citizens could see and experience.
“Leaders should not belabor themselves explaining things that don’t exist,” Dr. Phiri remarked. He argued that a truly effective leader does not need to exaggerate or fabricate achievements. Instead, their work should speak for itself through visible development, improved living conditions, and economic stability.
Dr. Phiri called on the government to be more transparent and accountable in its communication with the public. He recommended that independent audits be conducted to verify the claims made in the SONA and to expose any discrepancies. He also urged President Chakwera and his administration to acknowledge their mistakes and correct any misleading statements made to the public.
“There is no shame in admitting that something has not been done,” he stated. “The real failure is in pretending that progress has been made when it has not.”
Moving forward, he advised government officials to focus on real development rather than political propaganda. He emphasized that Malawians deserve honest leadership that prioritizes their needs over political survival.
As more citizens scrutinize the government’s claims, the pressure is mounting for accountability. Many are demanding that the President return to Parliament and clarify the inaccuracies in his SONA. Others are calling for a broader conversation about governance, transparency, and the role of political leaders in shaping the nation’s future.
Dr. Phiri warned that if the government continues on this path of misinformation, it risks alienating voters ahead of the next election. “The people of Malawi are watching,” he said. “They will remember who told them the truth and who fed them lies.”
Dr. Phiri’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for Malawi’s leadership. His criticism highlights the importance of truth in governance and the dangers of political deception. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, social inequality, and stalled development projects, Malawians are demanding more than just speeches—they want action, results, and honesty from their leaders.
Whether President Chakwera’s administration will take responsibility for its misleading statements remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the long run, only the truth will stand the test of time.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :