If I were James Masumbu

Board chairperson of Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc), I would realise that recalling the corporation’s chief executive officer Foster Mulumbe from forced leave before investigations into his alleged participation in the dubious procurement of 100 000 tonnes of maize from Zambia were concluded was an error.

Even if Mulumbe were exclusively sent on leave to pave the way for President Peter Mutharika’s commission of inquiry to carry out its mandate, surely I would be mindful of the fact that he was still being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and that his return to work would jeopardise such investigations.

Oh yes, if I were bwana Masumbu, I would further realise that even though the Admarc CEO is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court,  the message being sent across is that the board is disregarding the recommendations made by the commissions of inquiry that were instituted by the President and Parliament.

That is if only I were James Masumbu, board chairperson of Admarc. Unfortunately, I am not that gentleman.