Molande front runner for State House press secretary job

Director of Information Bright Mollande is the front runner for the prestigious press secretary job at State House following the sacking of Gerald Viola on Monday.

Speaking to Capital FM, Mollande said he has heard rumours making rounds that he maybe appointed for the position but was quick to say these are mere rumours.

“I have not received an appointment letter from the chief secretary, I have not received any communication. The President has the prerogative to appoint anyone to that position but none of us has the prerogative to enter the mind of the President to see what appointment he wants to make,” said Mollande.

Some commentators said the firing of Viola was long overdue whilst others said Viola was not just qualified for the job.

Chancellor College political commentator Mustafa Hussein said Viola was involved in a myriad of controversies and his sacking was imminent.

Among others, Viola wrote heads of government departments and ministries to force them advertise with Galaxy radio, a private radio radio belonging to the Mutharika family.

He also made unilateral decision to sideline Zodiak from covering functions at State House for airing a story that President Peter Mutharika was chartering presidential jets amid falling economy.

Zeleza Manda, media expert said the President might have seen potential in Viola at first value but later discovered that he was not fit for the job hence the sacking.

Asked why Mutharika has fired three two press secretaries and a press officer including Viola just within two years, Manda said: ”Maybe they were speaking things they were not supposed to speak to the public, maybe lack of consultation. If you speak for someone, there should be personal relationship between the two. The way Al Osman and former president Bakili Muluzi operated, they knew each other well.”

He also said there might be need to make the terms of reference of the job more clearer so that press secretaries do not cross the line.

Viola angered Mutharika when he told Times TV that the government would buy a presidential jet when the economy improves, a sensitive remark when majority of Malawians are struggling to survive due to the falling economy.

His predecessor Frederick Ndala was shown the exit door at State House after journalists refused to take K50000 the president had given the scribes after a meeting.

Mutharika later said he gives the money to all people who have an audience with him for transport and other expenses.

Timpuza Mwansambo was sent back packing after he drew two salaries from the same government account one; from State House and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.

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