DPP undecided on Mzomera Ngwira’s fate

The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has said former Member of Parliament (MP) for Mzimba Hora Constituency Christopher Mzomera Ngwira may not automatically retake his position in the party, now that he is out of prison.

Before his conviction two years ago, Ngwira was DPP regional governor for the Northern Region, a position which is being held by Ackim Mwanza in an acting capacity.

Speaking in an interview Wednesday, organising secretary for the party Chimwemwe Chipungu said the National Governing Council (NGC) would have to meet and make a position on Ngwira.

“We, as a party, are pleased that one of our senior members, Honourable Ngwira, is out of prison but on whether he immediately reverts to his position I will say let’s cross the bridge when we get there. The NGC will definitely meet and make a decision,” Chipungu said.

He said the decision would be in line with stipulations of the party’s constitution.

The DPP constitution, in our possession, is, however, silent on what becomes of an NGC member who has been convicted.

But speaking soon after his release on Monday, Ngwira hailed Mwanza for taking care of his office, adding that he was ready to serve members of the DPP in the Northern Region.

“I want to thank Ackim Mwanza, who was serving in my position in an acting capacity, for a job well done. I was following what he was doing for the party.

That is why I salute him,” he said.

But political commentator George Phiri has said it would be irregular for Ngwira to take back the position.

“The correct thing to do is re-joining the institution and waiting for elections later; otherwise, going back to take the post immediately becomes more personal than institutional,” Phiri said.

Article 11 of the DPP constitution states that members of regional committees shall hold office for a term of two years and six months and shall be eligible for re-election for two more terms.

Ngwira, who was convicted of misappropriation of Local Development Fund money during his tenure as MP, was appointed DPP governor for the Northern Region in March 2020, replacing Kenneth Sanga.

He was sentenced to four years in prison which was meant to end in 2023.