If I were: Peter Mutharika
President of the Republic of Malawi, I would live up to the pledges I made during the campaign to lead an inclusive, tolerant and non-confrontational government, as well as appointing a lean Cabinet of 20, reducing presidential powers, subsidising the price of iron sheets and cement.
I would realise, if I were APM, that I will be under scrutiny from Malawians who will be eager to see whether the promises I made were genuine or a mere political stunt.
I would also recall, if I were Professor Mutharika, that some quarters felt I did very little to exert my authority during my stint as minister of Education when the issue of academic freedom arose, and as minister of External Affairs when British High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet was expelled, which raised questions about my leadership capabilities.
I would, therefore, appreciate that my election as President, provides me a chance to prove my critics wrong about my leadership qualities.
How I wish I were APM, because I would further realise that while some people know me as a sober and gentle person, certain sections of Malawians still have bitter memories of the ‘zigubu’ era when the economy sunk to alarming levels.
If I were moya Mutharika, I would also realise that it will be important to demonstrate that I am president of the entire nation and not only for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
That is if only I were His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika. Unfortunately, I am just a scribe that is Garry Chirwa. Chala m’mwamba! Chala m’mwamba!