Court stops Speaker on Inspector General confirmation
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Eisenhower Mkaka, Tuesday obtained an injunction stopping the Speaker of Parliament from confirming acting Inspector General (IG) of police Duncan Mwapasa as IG.
The MCP legislator wants the court to interpret if Parliament can confirm another IG when Rodney Jose—who is on leave pending retirement—is still holding the same position
According to the court order that was delivered Tuesday, Judge Fiona Mwale has ordered Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani-Hara to read the order carefully and consult a lawyer on the matter.
“This order prohibits you from doing the acts set out, in this order. You should read it carefully. You are advised to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. You have the right to ask the court to vary or discharge this order. If you disobey this order you may be found guilty of contempt of court and may be sent to prison or fined or have your assets seized,” the order reads.
The judge has since urged the applicant to file original motion, sworn statement in support and skeleton arguments within 14 days.
IG’s confirmation has been put on hold since last week.
Parliament on Friday could not deliberate on the motion for the confirmation of the IG due to technical glitches
But the government side has been putting the issue as a priority while the opposition has been blocking the confirmation.
