The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has given President Lazarus Chakwera a 7-day ultimatum to reverse a decision by Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda of issuing a 60-day amnesty to those implicated in corrupt practices including those benefited from businessperson Zunneth Sattar.
In a letter dated January 10, 2022 addressed to State House, CDEDI said the announcement by the AG lacks legal backing and has dragged the office of the president into disrepute.
“It is for this reason that we believe your conduct depicts lack of integrity required from the occupant of the high office the President. In short, your change of tune on the promises you made on your own, without being forced.”
“The goal shifting in the firing of cabinet ministers embroiled in corrupt practices; and very recently the announcement by your AG without legal backing; has dragged the office of the president into total disrepute,” reads the letter in part.
According to CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa, the ACB should be given space to interrogate all the culprits involved in corrupt practices and that President Chakwera should fire the AG.
“It is against this background that CDEDI is giving you, Your Excellency, seven (7) days to reverse the amnesty, and let the ACB interrogate all the culprits involved.
“Immediately fire the AG and Kezzie Msukwa; and finally, publicly reaffirm your commitment in the fight against corruption; or risk facing the wrath of Malawians,” said Namiwa.
In an interview, Namiwa has also faulted Chakaka Nyirenda for overstepping his mandate saying that the AG has made illegal and costly decisions which has made him politically compromised to effectively discharge his duties.
Efforts to get response from State House yielded nothing as Presidential Press Secretary Antony Kasunda did not respond after several attempts.
Earlier, responding to questions from journalists during a news conference on Monday morning in Lilongwe, the AG expressed ignorant of the CDEDI letter saying that he is yet to come across it.
