APM calls for unity on Chilembwe’s Day

President Peter Mutharika yesterday called for national unity as he led centenary commemoration of freedom fighter the Reverend John Chilembwe in Chiradzulu.
The commemoration was under the theme ‘Building the Malawi Nation Together’.
Mutharika, who received an honourary certificate from Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) for paying his first visit there after becoming President last year, reminded Malawians that other people paid with their lives for the freedom Malawians have today.
Mutharika called on Malawians to remain united and focus on national building.
The President said the vision Chilembwe had in areas of formal education, job creation, good economic policy, strengthening of institutions that offer vocational skills to youths is applicable for Malawi today.
Mutharika asked Malawians to support the agenda of any government in power.
He described Chilembwe as a symbol of courage, adding that he waged war with the British without sophisticated weapons.
Mutharika said the Malawi’s principal Martyr wanted Malawi to be a self-reliant nation.
Mutharika said: “We are making progress, but we need time, be patient and don’t rush to judgement.”
Mutharika led a selected contingent of people to lay wreaths on tombstones of martyrs who were part of Chilembwe’s uprising.
Malawi democratic president Malawi Bakili Muluzi was honoured for setting aside January 15 as a public holiday in honour of Chilembwe, among others.
Vice-President Saulos Chilima and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Clement Chiwaya were among dignitaries that laid wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera was also in attendance.n