3 Nsanje chiefs want Mia despite divisions

The infighting in the ruling People’s Party (PP) came to the fore on Monday when three traditional leaders in Nsanje alleged that aspirant Abida Sidik Mia, wife of PP vice-president was pulling out because of political bickering in the party.

The three traditional leaders, Chimombo, Nyachikadza and Ndamera, from Nsanje South Constituency travelled about 30 kilometres to present their input to the party’s district office.

They denied that Transport and Public Works Minister Muhammad Sidik Mia was imposing his wife, Abida, at the expense of other aspirants.

“As traditional leaders, we approached her to stand on the PP ticket and we are surprised that she recently reported to us that she was pulling out.

“We know the issue is political. She is not in any way imposed on us,” said T/A Chimombo.

His remarks were echoed by T/A Ndamera who said he cried when Abida announced she was pulling out.

We are persuading her to rescind her decision, said T/A Ndamera.

PP deputy spokesperson Ken Msonda said in an e-mail response: “It’s news to us, we are hearing it from you. Did you get this story from a reliable source? Talk to Hon Makande or Hon Nyakamera, may be they know something. To me it is news that Mrs Sidik Mia has withdrawn to contest on PP ticket. That cannot be true. I am sure this is just a false allegation and campaign propaganda by those who fear Mrs Abida Mia in the constituency.”

PP Nsanje district governor Limited Genti claimed that about 50 people walked on foot from Malaka to present their grievances and that the party officials should persuade Abida to rescind her decision.