I can accept second vice-presidency—Tembo

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader John Tembo on Sunday confessed that he would accept the  position of Second-Vice President if offered to work with President Joyce Banda.

Tembo was speaking on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS)’s Tiuzeni Zoona programme.

The confession comes in the wake of reports that Banda had started talks with politicians for a formation of a government of national unity (GNU) where she allegedly met Tembo.

The MCP leader is on record to have told The Nation last week that he indeed met Banda, but refused to disclose details.

Said Tembo on Sunday when asked about the rumours: “Several people have called me on the same. If offered the position, I would accept, but would continue in my present capacity as MCP leader. I do not believe that all those Cabinet ministers picked from other political parties have necessarily left their parties to join Banda’s People’s Party (PP). I have no intention to leave MCP to join PP though.”

Tembo also commended Banda for appointing his son, John Tembo Jnr, to be Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK).

Said Tembo: “I am very happy and grateful, so is his mother. My son is very educated, but was denied employment for the simple reason that his father is leader of opposition. He has been unemployed for long, but someone has finally recognised him.

“Jobs were being given to people because of their political or tribal affiliations. That is not right. What sort of country or policies would we be propagating by allowing citizens to form organisations based on tribes?”