By Lawrence Develious Kaunda:
Vice President Michael Usi has publicly taken a swipe at President Lazarus Chakwera over what he described as unfulfilled promises and delayed action against corruption.
Speaking at Nathenje in Lilongwe during his campaign trail, Usi responded to Chakwera’s yesterday’s national address in which the President claimed some individuals were sabotaging his government.
“I said there is corruption, and the President yesterday agreed with me. But the question is, where are these people? He is seeing them and failing to act, saying he will fire them next week,” Usi said to loud applause, whistles and ululations from his supporters that thronged the M1 road.
In a televised address delivered nocturnally from Sanjika Palace in Blantyre around 8 p.m., Chakwera asked Malawians to forgive him, saying the ongoing fuel crisis had been deliberately created by some officials at the National Oil Company of Malawi (Nocma).
“The officials intentionally frustrated the timely importation of fuel to make my administration fail and to benefit from kickbacks,” Chakwera said, adding that motorists had been unfairly caught in the crossfire of a fight against corrupt interests.
The President vowed to fire the officials implicated at Nocma, but only after the September 16 General Election.
Usi, however, criticised the timing, questioning why the action should wait until after the polls.
“Are you sure you will be the one elected? We are many in this race. How do you know Malawians will choose you? Let the thief be arrested today, not tomorrow,” Usi charged.
The VP further criticised Chakwera on other campaign pledges including fertiliser which Chakwera said now pegs AIP at K15,000 for a 50kg bag and K90,000 for organised clubs, down from K160,000—a move many Malawians have already ridiculed on social media.
His remarks signal an open rift at the top of government, with Usi positioning himself as both a critic and challenger to his own boss ahead of the elections scheduled for September 16.
