The UTM Party says it is both shocked and saddened by President Lazarus Chakwera’s move to strip off Vice President Saulos Chilima’s delegated powers on graft allegations.

The Party’s remarks follows a decision by President Lazarus Chakwera who has withhold from his office any delegated duties to his vice Saulos Chilima while waiting for the Anti-Corruption Bureau to substantiate its corruption allegations against him.

“As for the Vice President, his office is unique in that the Constitution does not provide for his suspension or removal from it by the President, because he holds that office by the will of Malawian voters, which I respect.

As such, the best I can do for now, which is what I have decided to do, is to withhold from his office any delegated duties while waiting for the Bureau to substantiate its allegations against him and to make known its course of action in relation to such,” said Chakwera.

In a statement signed by the Party’s Publicity Secretary Frank Mwenifumbo said the UTM has absolute trust and belief in the country’s justice system.

The statement further states that UTM will continue giving its unwavering support and following its President Chilima.

Reads the statement in part: “We are not going to make further comments henceforth until this issue comes to its logical conclusion.

We continue to give our unwavering support to our President Saulos Chilima who led us through all trials and tribulations before and during campaign period that ushered in this present government.”