By Wezzie Gausi
Members of the clergy yesterday rapped opposition political parties in the country for showing lack of patriotism by shunning national prayers held at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Catholic Church Bishop for Mangochi Diocese, who is also Episcopal Conference of Malawi Vice Chairperson, Montfort Stima said it was unfortunate that the country’s opposition chose to stay away from such an “important national event”.
Stima, who was moderating the event, said the picture portrayed to observers is that the opposition and governing party have a different agenda for the country.
“This is evidenced by what has just happened today. The prayers were meant to be for all Malawians despite their political and other affiliations but what has happened is worrisome. It is worrisome to see that all members of the opposition did not attend the prayers,” Stima said.
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Islamic cleric Sheikh Imran Omar concurred with Stima, adding that the President should not be left to develop the country alone.
He challenged the opposition to disregard their political affiliation when faced with national issues.
“The nation has many issues to focus on, including that of hunger. People should, therefore, focus on addressing issues of hunger and others that are facing Malawians. Malawians have many things, including solutions, they can share with one another,” Omar said.
In his exhortation, Sheikh Moosah Matolah prayed for unity of purpose, saying, through prayer, Malawi can attain its development aspirations.
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In his address, President Lazarus Chakwera said Malawi should heed God’s own appeal to disdain pride and renounce wicked ways if the country is to develop.
He said the country has abundant fertile land but that some citizens cannot use it to produce food to feed the world.
He cited corruption as one of the problems that are negatively affecting implementation of agricultural and other programmes.
Chakwera said if such problems can be addressed, farmers can produce enough food, “We have millions of Malawians who are united by their faith in God and their desire to transform the country, yet they are not able to unite in developing the country because of prideful leaders who constantly provoke the people to be angry and to refuse to work together,” Chakwera said.
However, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa said the opposition was not invited to the event.
“In short, we weren’t invited. It was the same thing on National Unity Day, [when we were not invited]. I didn’t see any invitation and I am hearing from you that we had that event today,” Nankhumwa said.
The prayers focused on economic recovery, unity, peace, good governance and farming.
Chakwera was accompanied by Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda and government top officials.
