Thanks, but no thanks—Chimunthu Banda

In a dramatic twist of events, former Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda has said he will not be picking up his ministerial position barely a day after President Peter Mutharika appointed him into his new Cabinet.

Mutharika appointed Chimunthu Banda as Minister of Natural Resources and Mining in the 32-member Cabinet.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) a short while ago, the former Speaker—who once served the ruling governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as its secretary general—confirmed he communicated the decision to the appointing authority through the Office of President and Cabinet.

According to Chimunthu Banda, the letter also contained his appreciation for being considered for the post, though he would not be taking the offer.

Asked to explain his decision, and whether he was notified before the appointment was made public, he had this to say:  “No, I was not informed. Probably if I had that prior information, I could have best made my excuse at that particular point but no, I was not informed.”

However, the former Speaker said he remains a member of the DPP.