Akaka bwanji? : PLOT TO LOOT- STRATEGIC PUBLIC OFFICES During the DPP administration all key government positions especially those heading PFM institutions were meant for members of the Lomwe tribe, President Mutharika,s kinsmen and folk. This was a deliberate move to ensure centralization of collection and sharing of economic rents under the Presidents control. Dr Mutharika went further to form a tribal grouping for the Lomwes popularly known as Mhlakho wa Lomwe of which he was its Patron on the disguise that he wanted to promote culture and tradition amongst his people but it turned that its leadership was kind of kitchen cabinet for the country as most of them if not all held strategic positions inside Government. A quick snapshot of the positions in question is given below: Chief Justice- Mr. Lovemore Munlo Minister of Finance- Dr. Ken Lipenga Deputy Minister of Finance- Mr. Fraser Nihorya Minister of Justice- Prof. Peter Mutharika (Presidents brother) ACB Director- Mr Alex Nampota Secretary to Treasury- Mr. Joseph Mwanamveka RBM Governor- Dr. Perks Ligoya Budget Director- Dr. Dalitso Kabambe MRA Commissioner General- Mr. Muhara ADMARC CEO- Dr. Matabwa (Mutharikas nephew) ESCOM CEO- Mr. Zembani MACRA Chairman- Mr. Ted Nandolo MERA CEO- Dr. Alexious Chiwaya NFRA CEO- Mr. Saukira Police Chief- Mr. Mukhito Director of Public Prosecutions- Mr. Kanyuka Attorney General- Dr Jane Ansah and Later Maxon Mbendera Deputy Accountant General- Mr. Maseya Director of State Residences- Mr. Namondwe(Mutharikas uncle) Later Mr Edward Sawerengera Looking at above list it is evident that all matters relation to public funds were in the hands of the President’s tribesmen and in such a scenario it would be naïve to imagine that professionalism could be guaranteed. In fact, it was surprising when it was revealed that Government had instructed MRA to borrow money from commercial banks to show as if it was domestic revenue to support Dr Mutharika zero deficit budget philosophy which was championed by the then Budget Director, Dr Kabambe in the wake of policy differences with the IMF on economic fundamentals. This case only showed total disregard for PFM legislation as regards management of public funds considering that such details were not even revealed to Parliament in the budget submission by the Minister of Finance. Now the question to ask is how many other cases of financial impropriety were not reported under the DPP administration for the entire 8 years. In fact, it is not surprising to see the current leadership of DPP arguing against the proposal for the forensic audit to cover as way back as 2003. It is therefore envisaged that the forensic audit might help explaining some of these unanswered questions. If one considers revelations that the estate of late Dr Mutharika is valued at well over MK61 billion and yet after 8 years in office sky rocketing from a mere MK150 million when assuming office. How was he able to accrue all such wealth within a short period of time bearing in mind that proper business ventures such commercial banks can only register annual profits of about MK2 billion a year. This only confirms the public’s suspicion that Dr Mutharika deliberately put his kinsmen to make sure that public funds were easily transferred or diverted to his personal estate. Likewise his kinsmen get a fair share of the proceeds at the expense of public service delivery and public investment.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 13:27:58 +0000
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