MLS accuses Chaponda of nepotism

In an attempt to clear his name from alleged corrupt practices in the maize procurement from Zambia, embattled Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda stands accused of nepotism.

According to a statement by the Malawi Law Society (MLS), Chaponda’s remarks during apublic inquiry into the maize saga, that the scandal was being championed by northerners, was nepotistic.

In the statement signed by president John Suzi-Banda and Honorary Secretary Khumbo Khumbo Soko, MLS says Chaponda’s remarks were unfit for high office holders and brazenly a promotion of regionalism.

“Malawi Law Society has learnt with grave disappointment remarks by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture George Chaponda, MP, in which he describes current efforts to establish his role in the procurement of maize from Zambia by Admarc as a ‘regional issue’ and evidence of ‘antagonism between the Southern and Northern regions of Malawi.’ The society denounces these remarks as being divisive, irresponsible, dishonourable and far beneath the dignity of a holder of the office of a Minister,” reads part of the statement.

Chaponda could not be reached for comment on his mobile phone on several attempts yesterday.

Both the p r e s i d e n t i a l commission of inquiry and the joint parliamentary inquiry have called for criminal investigation into Chaponda’s role in the matter.

A day after the joint parliamentary committee presented its findings to the National Assembly, fire gutted Chaponda’s office at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.