JB’s aide censures Peter, calls DPP ‘poisonous snake’
Special Advisor to President Joyce Banda on Politics and Communication, Elias Wakuda Kamanga has described the DPP a ‘poisonous snake’ following its leader, Peter Mutharika’s remarks preventing Malawians from discussing and debating his ‘US Green Card’ issue.
Mutharika told journalists at a news conference in Lilongwe at the weekend that the issue about his US Green Card is “nonsensical”.
But in reaction to Mutharika’s outbursts, the presidential aide said the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi enshrines the right to freedoms of speech and of conscience, thus, no-one can decide on behalf of the people what should be discussed or not depending on the significance of the matter.
“It is immoral, uncalled for and unacceptable for any leader let alone the leader of the DPP, Professor Mutharika to call Malawians derogatory names as was the case during the reign of his late brother, Bingu wa Mutharika,” said the presidential aide.
He charged that to purport as “nonsensical” the fact that some people hold these views exposes Mutharika as intolerant of divergent views and awakens the memories of the intolerance that characterised the leadership of his brother late Bingu wa Mutharika.
Wakuda Kamanga, former secretary general of DPP, said Malawians must be free to discuss and debate whether a person who holds a United States Green Card can be said to hold allegiance to the USA or not.
“Even if one of the people decides to move the courts to adjudicate over this matter, it should be allowed because it will help ensure that the limits of the law are tested and the requisite clarity obtained for the future,” he said.
Kamanga pointed out therefore that the DPP leader must not be annoyed with the section of the people who hold the view that holding a Green Card is tantamount to him holding allegiance to the United States, a situation they feel, in their rightful understanding of the law, runs counter to the Constitution and, thus, makes his presidential candidature invalid.
“Maybe this issue has come up at the right time because it has provided the opportunity for the people to assure themselves about whether the DPP has repented from its past, or simply pretends to be an innocent flower for the sake of votes, yet in real sense they are the same poisonous snake,” he said.
Wakuda Kamanga said if Malawi is going to develop socially, economically, politically and even spiritually, people must be free to express themselves fully on an issue regardless of their differences of opinion.
“The PP-led Government under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda will not sit back and watch some undemocratic and uncultured leaders work to reverse the democratic gains made since 1994.
“People should be assured that the government of Malawi will guarantee that they enjoy their rights to their fullness regardless of any threat of intolerance from any individual, including the DPP president,” he said in a statement made available to Nyasa Times on Monday.
Mutharika, who arrived in the country on Saturday from United States of America has maintained that his United States green card will not affect his candidature and said he is ready to face courts on that.
“Green card is just a working permit which enables one to work in a foreign country. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about. Some people are just panicking and afraid of me because they know I will win as president the coming elections,” said Mutharika.
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