Jooma claims he remains PP veep for Eastern Region

Mangochi Monkey Bay legislator Ralph Jooma (People’s Party—PP)  has struck a defiant tone that he remains  vice-president for the Eastern Region despite being fired by the party.

Jooma was removed from his position by PP national executive committee (NEC) meeting  on January 8 this year  for  working with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

PP has also requested  Speaker of Parliament  Richard Msowoya to remove Jooma from the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

Jooma, who also resigned as the party’s chief whip in Parliament, was replaced by Roy Kachale, the Zomba Malosa legislator who also happens to be PP president Joyce Banda’s son.

But Jooma has challenged PP , saying he remains the party’s leader in the Eastern Region.

Jooma said until he gets formal communication of his sacking and  the grounds for the decision,  he remains PP vice president in the Eastern Region.

“The party has not communicated anything to me, therefore I am still the leader in the Eastern Region,” said Jooma.

However,  PP spokesman Noah Chimpeni said  Jooma was appointed to the position without a letter confirming him and he has been fired without one.

Chimpeni said Jooma should simply  accept  he is no longer PP’s vice-president and move on.