….Chizuma turn around saves Chakwera
The decision to publicly stop fighting to remove Anti Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma bought President Lazarus Chakwera some respite, but legislators instead now want his powers trimmed.
An independent parliamentarian who sits in opposition benches is expected to move several amendments to curb Presidential powers.
The sweeping amendments according to an insider include reducing the Presidents roles in appointments of several governance institutions including the Anti Corruption Bureau.
The legislators cannot agree whether to include section 91of the Constitution, which Vice President Saulos Chilima advocated that it should be amended to remove presidential immunity.
The bill will be a test of strength between Government and opposition parliamentarians and will reveal the loyalty to the President as most of his MPs are angry with him for the botched fertiliser programme.
“Unlike impeachment, this is mainly an opposition bill. Most of us are yet to make up our minds. We can’t support something that will lead us out of government without back up,” said an MCP legislator who has been at the centre of trying to replace Chakwera with businessman Simbi Phiri.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa did not answer our questions but in an interview published in Weekend Nation he conformed the plans to cut Chakweras powers.
Chakwera himself pledged to reduce his powers during campaign but since assuming office he has adopted a mute position over the matter.
