Presidential inquiry on maizegate rebuffs Zodiak live coverage
The Commission of Inquiry which President Peter Mutharika tasked to probe the maize procurement deal involving State grain trader the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) and a Zambian firm has rejected a request from private- Zodiak Broadcastinf Station to cover the probe live.
Zodiak and Times Radio afre covering live a similar inquiry being carried by Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee.
In a letter to ZBS which the commission chair , retired chef justice Anastanzia Msosa has signed, said live coverage will not give chance to people who have information to express themselves clear.
“Kindly be informed that the commission declined to grant your request due to the fact that the commission has already interviewed other witnesses in camera as part of its procedure. The commission is also of the view that witnesses may not express themselves freely if they know that the proceedings are being covered on Air,” reads the letter in part.
However, Zodiac controller of news Gabriel Kamlomo has described the response as unfortunate.
“We feel this is an opportunity lost. Given the obvious interest that this issue has sparked, we believe that a little more openness in the manner this process is handled would have helped calm tensions and reduced unneccesary speculative narrative. And our view is that the most flexible such vehicle should be the media platform.
“But we respect the position and view of the commission on this. Meanwhile, we are grateful to Parliament for allowing the live coverage of interviews it is conducting with different stakeholders on the same subject. We have huge feedback that suggests citizens are beginning to make sense of the real issues in play. As a responsible media brand, we will continue to provide space for enhanced responsiveness.” Kamlomo said.
Msosa is leading the Maize Procurement Inquiry Commission which includes Solicitor General Janet Banda, Isaac Kayira and Mike Chinoko who are members of the commission.
The retired Chief Justice Msosa said her commission is going to do all necessary inquiries into the maize procurement and will present the report to the State President who is going to decide what happens afterwards
Mai asaziwonongere mbiri , she is the great woman , a Dpp awonengera mbiri yawo, ku USA sinali nkhani aliyense awone basi kuti ntchito yofufuza ikuyenda bwanji
Kodi tikufuna chani? Zopanda phindu or atafufuza mayakho ali pa corner zzz
The Commission of Inquiry is indeed right.. investigations can not be made live on air.. suppose there are some people who will be mentioned who require some more interviews;. Are we not putting their lives in danger… think ZODIAK.. think.. this is different from court ruling where all investigations are already done.
When the report is presented to the president how sure are Malawians that it will be released for the malawians to know the truth or even decipher on what to release to the executives benefit knowing how docile and stupid Malawians are. The leaders know Malawians are stupid and they can get away with all corruption theft abuse of power. If you are not stupid remove these thieves now, now now. God will help you if you act now.
What is the logic of covering live an investigations to the so called maize scandal? Z B S how do you understand the word ‘ investigation’? Bravo madam Msosa that is what we expected from experienced people like you.
I think those conducting the inquiry are doing it for the purpose of transparency and accountability on the issue at hand but the inquiry should not be covered live. lets get the report when this task is done
Bravo !! Justice Msosa. Makapewa asakutaiseni nthawi.
Pajatu ufiti kulibe nanga chimenechi ndi chiyani? Munthu wa makani amatchedwa mfiti therefore ‘chaponda’ ndi nthakati wotheratu.
Msosa has given a very good reason but the dunderheads can not understand it. She is a learned judge not like your Kamlepos. You start issues, become vocal with these issues, later you flop. Why cant you just give up?
Kodi Msosa si mlomwenso naye? Mumati angatani?
Old timer! What does she want to hide? Recycled retired judge; why use her? These are now the consequences; denying Malawians transparency. Anazolowera kubisa information awo anthu a mvula zakale. GOD in heaven is watching you all. Ma cardiac arrest abweraso enatu mwakathithi tsopano!