Brian Banda ‘overzealous’ comments criticised by commentators
One of the press officer’s for President Joyce Banda, Brian Banda, who is mostly used as director of ceremonies for political rallies has come under fire from political commentators over the praise that he gave to ministers who attended the President’s One Cow One Family function in Chiradzulu on Thursday.
After the President addressed the gathering at Namitambo in Traditional Authority Kadewere’s area, Banda thanked ministers John Bande (Trade), Uladi Mussa (Home Affairs), James Munthali (Agriculture) and Maxwell Mkwezalamba (Finance) for attending the rally.
However, his comments have been criticised by political analyst Henry Chingaipe who pointed out that: “The best way is for only ministers responsible or relevant to the function that the President is carrying out to attend and not every Jim and Jack. After all, she is doing her work and ministers should also be doing theirs.”
According to Chingaipe, Banda’s remarks also sent a message that some ministers in People’s Party (PP) are regarded as disloyal to the President.
“That statement shows that there is division in the party bordering on loyalty. It tells the public that there are two factions in the party; one is loyal and follows the President wherever she goes while the other party is not,” said Chingaipe as quoted by The Nation.
Chancellor College-based political scientist Blessings Chinsinga also added his voice to the issue.
“This is campaign period and loyalty has to be practically shown by attending the [presidential] rallies. But this is waste of resources which could be put to better use,” said Chinsinga.
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