If I were: Lazarus Chakwera

President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), I would come in the open to explain my position on the relationship that the party has with Lower Shire Valley political heavyweight Muhammad Sidik Mia,  which my secretary general Gustave Kaliwo blamed for the confusion in the party.

If I were Obaba  Chakwera, I would realise that there is  no smoke without fire and the earlier I come out to state my position on the matter, the better. Otherwise, it is an issue that is fuelling tension.

How I wish I were the good reverend, because I would appreciate that while the issue raised by my beleaguered secretary general might be played down, behind the scenes are raging tensions and discomfort, especially following reports that there are some party officials working with Mia.

If I were Bwana Chakwera, I would realise that coming out clear on the speculations about Mia being tipped as one of my potential candidates for running mate in the 2019 offers me a real test of my pedigree as a leader of the biggest opposition party.

If only I were the MCP president, I would realise that this is the time to sort out such issues so that the party’s focus should be to strategise on the next elections.