MP Kabwila says DPP denying Malawi youth their right to education: Asks ‘inept’ education minister Fabiano to resign

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Salima North West Jessie Kabwila has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration that its  claims to be committed to empowering the youth when the same government is denying the youth their right to education through closure of institutions of higher learning.

Speaking in Parliament when she demanded Minister of Education, Science and Technology Emmanuel Fabiano  to provide an explanation on the future of the closed universities and colleges, Kabwila accused Fabiano of failimg his duty.

She asked Fabiano  to “honourably resign” for being  inept and f failing to handle the academic crisis in the country.

“If you take up a position and you find that you are inept, Its better you must resign. Are you in charge or you not in charge? If you are not in charge, humbly resign! Simple!” demanded Kabwila.

Ironically, Kabwila was lecture at Chancellor College when she lead the academic freedom battle while Fabiano was its Vice Chancellor. That time President Peter Mutharika was minister of education and his State House chief of staff Peter Mukhito was Inspector General of Police who triggered the crisis after sending spies in lecturer rooms.

The MPs had taken turns pressing Fabiano to provide answers on the universities closure.

But Fabiano used the same line of defence  by President Peter Mutharika to exonerate himself from universities’ closure saga.

MP for Salima South Constituency Uladi Mussa People’s Party (PP) pressed Fabinao to explain to the House who is responsible for the education sector.

“The President says he is not responsible. The minister says he is not responsible. Who is responsible for this?” querried Mussa.

But Fabiano who was visibly short fused after calls for his resignation, said “we have delegated that responsibility to the councils.”

First Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje won hearts of the backbenchers when he reminded Fabiano that being a minister, he is representing the councils; hence, the need for him to address all the questions pertaining to the education sector.

“I wish to ask you to tone down and objectively address concerns from the members. You don’t expect the councils to come here.You are representing the councils, Honourable Minister. So, address the questions from the MPs,” Mcheka Chilenje.

Mussa  also questioned the reasoning of Fabiano, saying shifting blame to University Council is not helping matters at all.

 

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