DPP NEC to meet over Chaponda: Nakhumwa, Mussa possible replacement

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politburo will meet to decide what action to take on its vice president George Chaponda who was fired as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development as he faces investigations over Zambia maize procurement deal and staching millions of cash in his house.

Both DPP secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey and administrative secretary Francis Mphepo  confirmed that the party National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet to consider the position of Chaponda.

“You will shortly be advised accordingly when everythings is set,” said Jeffrey.

Nyasa Times understand that the party is likely to replace Chaponda with Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa who also replaced him as Leader of the House.

Another possible successor is Henry Mussa, the DPP chief whip in parliament.

Chaponda was fired in cabinet by President Peter Mutharika following a search and seize exercise conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) at the minister’s office and residence.

At  Chaponda’s residence,  ACB officers seized money in excess of K160 million, which they deposited with the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu has  said  the K166 million found stashed in Chaponda’s residence in Lilongwe will form part of the evidence the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigations are gathering.

Chaponda is being investigated by ACB following his suspicious dealings on the procurement of maize from Zambia.

Tembenu said Mutharika fired him from the cabinet to pave way for proper and efficient investigations.