APM puts abusive chiefs on short leash

President Peter Mutharika has warned traditional leaders in the country, who use their power to abuse their subjects, that their days are numbered.

The President said this yesterday at Thyolo Community Centre ground when he elevated Traditional Authority (T/A) Ngolongoliwa to senior chief status.

“I know there are chiefs who bring chaos. They abuse and beat up people and take away farm land from their subjects.

“I am telling those chiefs that I have the powers to remove them from their positions. Today, I am giving them a final warning that if they continue doing those atrocious acts, I will give them a holiday,” said the President.

On the current food situation in the country, the President told the traditional leaders to avoid being caught in mischief, such as theft or misdirecting maize meant for the poor.

During the ceremony, Mutharika also directed Mulhako wa Alhomwe board chairperson Professor James Seyani and his fellow trustees as well as all Lhomwe intellectuals to work with Senior Chief Ngolongoliwa to produce a book about the history and way of living of the Lhomwes by October 25 2016, when the Lhomwes meet for their annual celebrations.

Born Layelo Costa Juma in February 1950, Ngolongoliwa is the most senior traditional leader of the Lhomwe people.

Some of the notable figures that attended the ceremony included former president Bakili Muluzi, Chief Secretary to Government George Mkondiwa, members of Parliament (MPs) and traditional leaders. n