If I were Peter Mutharika

President of the Republic of Malawi, I would swallow my pride and accept that the sacking of former Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda contradicts my earlier  remarks that inquiries into the controversial maize import deal was just a waste of time.

If I were the President, I would conduct some soul-searching and draw lessons from how I handled the issue and ease down a gear on my arrogant, pre-emptive political statements.

Oh yes, Your Excellency, I would also appreciate that the maize scam has had a very negative impact on my government and ruling party when it comes to the war on corruption and it will take a lot of effort for me to win back the confidence people had in me.

I would also meditate on the credibility of my inner circle because it appears some of my close aides are not telling the whole truth.

If I were you, Bwana, I would realise that the feeling among many Malawians is that I have lost my way and I am no longer in control of the ship in stormy waters.

That is if I were His Excellency Professor Peter Mutharika, sadly for me, I cannot be him.