JB rewards Daza with cabinet post, Chakuamba in ‘league of advisors’
Malawi President Joyce Banda has appointed former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Chris Daza Minister responsible for Good Governance in the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) as the biggest talking point.
The move is seen as a reward for Daza who dumped MCP on Wednesday and formally joined ruling People’s Party (PP) on Thursday.
Daza’s appointment as Minister for Good Governance comes as a replacement on the newly created ministerial position following the death of Eunice Kazembe who was initially appointed on the position but died without taking an oath.
President Banda also announced that she has named what she calls “eminent persons” a four- member team of veteran politicians who will help guide the Malawi leader in her cause of duty so that she should not fall into a ditch as the country goes to polls in 2014.
Speaking at a rally she held in Ntchisi district on Thursday after the joint elevation ceremony of Senior Chiefs Malenga and Kasakula, President Banda said after careful search for such persons across the country, she has entrusted the role of advisors to veteran politicians Gwanda Chakuamba, Elias Katola Phiri, Dr Isaac Lamba, and Mayi Magret Chiponda.
In their remarks the appointed elders thanked President for appointing them as advisers pledging the untiring support to the effort.
Chakuamba said after having opposing two previous administrations which were led by men, he felt defeated when Banda came into power, saying no sane person can be opposing his mother hence deciding to work with her.
“I am now pledging my total support to you the president and I will be available for you anytime you will seek my adviser,” he said.
In his speech, Katola Phiri a former minister during the one-party MCP regime, said he will now work to ensure that all the votes from the central region should belong to President Banda.
“For your information Madam president, I am the one who shook central region during the days of President Kamuzu Banda when Kasungu, my home district, was the home of MCP. But now no one can claim that Kasungu is the home of MCP because Kamuzu in now gone. I will make sure that Kasungu become the home of People’s Party,” he said.
In her short speech of appreciation Mai Chiponda said she will work tireless on the effort, saying she started politics when she was very young.
“ There is nothing I know in this world apart from politics. I feel honored to be given such a huge responsibility and a promise that I will be available whenever you will need me,” he said.
The response to the announcement of Daza’s ministerial appointment and the advisors was mixed from the general public.
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