Aford faction rebuffs Chihana’s dialogue call

A faction led by Alliance for Democracy (Aford) secretary general Christopher Ritchie has rebuffed calls by party leader Enoch Chihana for dialogue to resolve their disagreements over dates for a convention.

In an interview, the beleaguered publicist said he and other members of the party were not guaranteed security.

He was assaulted in the last meeting the two sides held to resolve their differences.

“Chihana has never checked on my condition after the attack nor taken an initiative to apologise. I was beaten by his body guard. Will we be safe this time? We are afraid,” he explained.

Ritchie termed the calls for dialogue “sheer hypocrisy”, saying Chihana tried to get rid of him by writing Centre for Multiparty Democracy to stop dealing with him.

His camp has resolved to take the matter to court, he said.

Chihana insisted dialogue is the way to go.

“If the other side is not willing, the party’s constitution will iron out the problems,” he said.

Ritchie’s camp want the convention held on December 16, but Chihana wants it shifted to April next year to ensure the party has ample time to reorganise its members at grass roots.

Karonga Central legislator Frank Mwenifumbo, who rejoined Aford this year, has expressed interest to contest against Chihana for the party presidency at the contentious convention. n