Stop Demonizing PAC for Rejecting Martha Chizuma CDEDI
NAMIWA: Let us respect the rule of law by acknowledging the separation of powers
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has taken a swipe at some organizations and social commentators who have launched attacks on the members of the Parliamentary Public Affairs Committee (PAC) for rejecting the appointment of Ombudsman Martha Chizuma as the new Director General (DG) of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa argues that attacking and demonizing statutory committees and constitutional offices when some sectors of the society are not happy with the decisions they have made in relation to their mandate and laws governing them and the republican constitution is a breeding ground for dictatorship.
Malawians have taken to social media expressing their dissatisfaction with the decision by Public Appointment Committee of Parliament to reject âlady of the peopleâ Martha Chizuma as Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Ombudsman Chizuma, appeared before PAC of Parliament for interviews following her appointment by President Lazarus Chakwera as Director General of the graft busting body.
However, PAC had something in mind contrary to the expectations of the general public as she has been turned down.
The development has not been welcomed by the populace who are expressing disappointment and disapproval of PACâs decision and questioning the credibility and integrity of the Committee.
May 11, 2021 Pius Nyondo - Nyasa Times 4 Comments
“…this will be a day of rage against the enemies of the people who want to shield corruption.”
The decision of the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) to reject Ombudsman Martha Chizuma as the new Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) director has annoyed scores of Malawians with most ranting that the Committee’s pronouncement is a massive drawback in as far as fighting graft in the country is concerned.
Barely three hours after the verdict of Chizuma’s rejection was made known to the public, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has announced that it will stage a march to parliament next week on May 18 to “bring back our Martha Chizuma.”
May 10, 2021 Peter Makossah - Nyasa Times Reporter 5 Comments
“The matter here refers to the criminal matter that he (Justice Muhara) is answering.”
Embattled High Court Judge and former secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Justice Lloyd Lloyd Muhala has been stripped off his judicial powers to preside over cases in the court of law due to him facing criminal charges.
Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal Gladys Gondwe has confirmed that Muhara no longer sits on the bench.
However, in a twist of events, Ombudsman Martha Chizuma also synchronically ordered the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appraise whether or not Justice Muhara was felicitous and judiciary suitable to serve as a judge in the High Court of Malawi.
Former President Peter Mutharika and former secretary to the government Lloyd Muhara have paid 69.5 Million Kwacha legal costs that they were ordered to pay by the Lilongwe High Court, Lawyer representing the two Charles Mhango has confirmed.
The development comes barely a day after the Judge presiding over the case Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda on Tuesday, May 4 ordered Sheriffs to seize property worth about K22 million belonging to the two, for failing to pay legal costs.
The two were found guilty of forcing Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda and Justice of Appeal Edward Twea to go on leave pending retirement.
Mutharika and Muhara were on March 12, 2021, ordered to pay K69.5 million in legal fees to lawyers representing Malawi Law Society, Human Rights Defenders Coalition, and Association of Magistrates in Malawi.