Nyondo speaks tough as he earns third-term
Government’s fierce critic, the Reverend Levi Nyondo yesterday made history by becoming the first cleric in the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia to win a third-term as General Secretary of the synod.
He vowed to continue providing checks and balances on government.
“When government has done something good, as a church we will give credit. But when it has gone astray, we will speak on behalf of the voiceless so that government corrects its wrongs,” he said.
Nyondo then took a swipe at government for ‘not consulting people’ on the Land Bill, promising that he will engage the synod so that the matter is looked at seriously.
During elections at the on-going 35th Synod Assembly at Loudoun Mission in Embangweni, Mzimba, Nyondo got 206 votes, defeating former synod moderator Reverend Timothy Nyasulu who got 102 votes. The Reverend Joseph Vaseline Mwale came third with 82 votes, but was later re-elected deputy General Secretary.
The road to the elections was characterised by negative stories, including allegations that some candidates had pocketed money from politicians to coerce delegates.
Some quarters also questioned Nyondo’s wisdom in vying for a third-term.
But yesterday, Nyondo, who prior to the elections refused to speak to the media about his candidature, offered himself for nominations, and was elected.
He told Nation on Sunday, after the elections, that he has forgiven all those alleged to have pocketed money from politicians in the run up to the election.
“This has taught us all a lesson because I think next time we have such elections, we will know how to avoid such things. But the word of God teaches us all to forgive one another and I have forgiven all those who are alleged to have pocketed money from politicians,” he said.
Added Nyondo: “Time for elections is over and we now need to work together for the betterment of the synod. We have been elected to serve and we have to work together as a church.”
Nyasulu refused to speak to Nation on Sunda. n
