‘Adhere to chieftaincy succession plans’

Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud has urged royal families to adhere to their chieftaincy succession to prevent wrangles and court cases that have affected the installation or promotion of some chiefs in the country.

She said this on Wednesday during the elevation of five traditional leaders in Ntchisi District.

Traditional authorities (T/As) Chilooko, Chikho and Kalumo were elevated to senior chiefs while group village heads Msauka and Masanya were elevated to sub Traditional Authorities (ST/As).

Daud said chieftaincy wrangles are a setback to development because traditional leaders are agents of development.

“I also urge chiefs to refrain from corruption and politics. They need to work with everyone regardless of their political affiliations,” she said.

Speaking during the ceremony, Senior Chief Kasakula, who proposed the elevation of the ST/As, said he was pleased that he now has people he will work with in his area.

He, however, advised them to lead an exemplary life to restore chiefs’ lost trust.

The district has three senior chiefs, one T/A and two ST/As.

Chiefs from Lilongwe, Nkhotakota, Salima and Kasungu districts attended the ceremony.