Peter Mutharika

President of the Republic of Malawi, I would not refuse to appear before Parliament to answer questions from members of the House on the basis that I was preoccupied with other pressing issues.

If I were His Excellency, I would realise that members of Parliament (MPs) represent the common Malawian and, therefore, by choosing to ignore them, it paints a picture that I do not really care about them.

Oh yes, if I were APM of the ‘Ndilibe pulobulemu’ fame, I would realise that when I have the luxury of  visiting a police cell and inscribing the words “Peter was here” on its walls, but then fail to go to Parliament to answer questions from MPs, then it raises questions about my seriousness and priorities.

If only I were the President, I would realise the need to respect the Constitution which requires me to appear before Parliament to answer questions from MPs.

That is if only I were APM, the President of the Republic of Malawi. Unfortunately, I will never be him.