Mutharika advises ‘maizegate’ inquiry commissioners to ‘get to the bottom of the matter’

President  Peter Mutharika ha scalled on the Commission of Inquiry he has established to probe the misprocurement of maize in Zambia to “get to the bottom of the matter” for the truth to prevail describing maize as life for Malawians.

He said this when the  commission of inquiry on ADMARC’s maize procurement saga was on Friday sworn in at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

Mutharika said it was in his interest for Malawi to remain a nation of high integrity that he had appointed Commissioners to investigate the procurement of maize by ADMARC from Zambia.

“We need to get to the bottom of this and bring to the people nothing but the truth,” said Mutharika, adding: “This Commission starts work immediately and will report its findings by January 31, 2017.”

The president said he had decided to constitute an independent Commission of Inquiry because of the seriousness of the allegations and the matter at hand.

The Malawi leader said like most Malawians, he had complete trust in the Commission which he said would be chaired by the Retired Chief Justice Anastazia Msosa, S.C.

“Maize is our life. If you find any wrong-doing, then I will act accordingly,” said Mutharika, adding, “As a Head of State, I do not act on allegations. I act on facts and truth. Therefore, I hereby commission you to investigate the maize procurement and bring us facts and truth.”

He further said the natiom also had trust in Solicitor General Dr. Janet Banda and Isaac Kayira who are part of the team that Mutharika said would bring the truth.

Mike Chinoko from the Law Commission would work as Secretary to the Commission, according to Mutharika.

The president’s appointment of the Commission followed media reports of corruption in the procurement of maize by ADMARC from Zambia.

Following the allegations, the opposition and Mutharika’s critics have been calling for the resignation or firing of Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Dr. George Chaponda, and ADMARC CEO, Foster Mulumbe.

But Chaponda recently issued a statement disassociating himself from the procurement of the maize saying his “involvememt was minimal” and that a greater part of the procurement    “was done by ADMARC”.

The four commissioners were sworn in together with the Chief Secretary to the Government, Lloyd Muhara, High Court Judge, Justice Nyakwawa Usiwausiwa, and Information, Communication and Technology Minister, Nicholas Dausi.