CSOs gang up against DPP SG

Livingstonia Synod’s Church and Society Programme has teamed up with other civil society leaders to sue Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secretary general Greselder Jeffrey over  her purported remarks that the North will never produce a president until Jesus comes back.

Jeffrey says her speech at a rally in Karonga was blown out of proportion.

But Church and Society executive director Moses Mkandawire on Monday told The Nation that he and other campaigners have engaged lawyers to take the DPP secretary general to court.

The civil society is treating the remarks seriously because they can spark conflicts and discrimination if not checked, he said.

“Such remarks have a potential to bring about tribal war as was the case in Rwanda and other countries,” said Mkandawire.

Jeffrey could not grant an interview as she was at a presidential function, but she recently told Capital FM that she only ruled out chances for Alliance for Democracy (Aford) to win the presidency in 2019.

But political commentator Humphreys Mvula said taking the matter to court is the best approach, arguing alternative ways may inflame the situation.

He said it is surprising the ruling party has not condemned Jeffrey’s speech yet.

The contentious remarks were earlier raised by Minister of Transport and Public Works Jappi Mhango. Mvula said this could be viewed as part of DPP policy unless it disowns such utterances.