Don’t make me dictator— Chakwera

By Deogratias Mmana:

Friday refused to wear another kind of robe; that of a dictator.

The Malawi leader Friday warned people to avoid pushing him into becoming a dictator for things to work in the country.

He was speaking during the memorial service for founding president of the country, late Hastings Kamuzu Banda at his mausoleum in Lilongwe.

He noted that most Malawians have transferred their individual responsibilities to him for answers on anything.

He therefore urged them to work for their living and not to wait for the President to provide for every concern that comes from each family in the country.

“If you want me to use a certain kind of dictatorship for something to work, do not hate me. Those entrusted with offices should do their work. Do not expect the President to provide answers for everything. Do not expect the President to take care of your homes or families. This is irritating,” Chakwera said.

He added that every citizen should respect the law and not worship or flatter leaders.

He then cautioned some individuals who use their positions to mislead him as President of the country.

“Some of you mislead the President. I am President for all Malawians and not a few people. Do not interfere in matters that do not concern you,” he warned.

Chakwera said he will use his presidential powers to develop the country and not to flex his muscles on citizens.

“The powers of this office will be used to serve you and not to rule. So help me God,” Chakwera said, warning that he would only work with those that are not selfish and are ready to help him in the development of the country.

Friday’s function was Chakwera’s maiden Kamuzu memorial service as President of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ken Kandodo who is also Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central, asked Chakwera to consider constructing a library, washrooms and fence at the mausoleum as was the original plan for the site.

Kandodo thanked government for owning the memorial service, unlike other past governments that did not bother about it.

He also thanked former president, late Bingu wa Mutharika, for constructing the mausoleum.

“Kamuzu died on November 251997 and was buried on December 3 1997 and for nine years up to 2006 there was nothing here. As a family, we thank the late Bingu wa Mutharika for respecting Kamuzu by erecting this mausoleum,” Kandodo said.

He added: “Bingu also erected a statue for Kamuzu at Area 18. Politics aside, let us thank him for that.”

Kandodo also thanked former president Joyce Banda for commemorating the day in the past with the family when the function took place in Kasungu as government at that time showed no interest in the event.

He also thanked all stakeholders that helped Banda to be a successful president during his 30 year rule.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi said his government has plans already to construct a fence, information centre and washrooms at the mausoleum.

Kamuzu Banda left Malawi in 1915 for education overseas where he attained various degrees, including one in medicine. He returned home in 1958 and fought against the British imposed federation that involved Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In 1959, he was arrested and later in 1963 became Prime Minister and led the country to independence in 1964.

In 1993, he allowed a referendum for multiparty system of government and conceded defeat during the 1994 general elections.

Some of his achievements include Kamuzu Academy, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Kamuzu Stadium, Reserve Bank of Malawi in Lilongwe, the M1 road from Nsanje to Chitipa, transfer of the capital city from Zomba to Lilongwe among others.