Botomani, Jooma throw weight behind APM

Two Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators Mark Botomani and Ralph Jooma have thrown their weight behind the party’s leader Peter Mutharika.

The two declared their stand on Saturday during a football and netball bonanza at Sekwere Primary School Ground in Zomba District.

Speaking after the matches, Botomani, who is Zomba Chisi parliamentarian, urged DPP followers to support Mutharika.

“The party is one and intact. There are no longer divisions in the party and our president is still professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,” he said.

Botomani said he was aware of DPP followers’ challenges, but as an opposition party they are trying their best to ensure that there are checks and balances to press government to implement the promises made during campaign.

Jooma, who is Mangochi Monkey Bay legislator and was the guest of honour at the bonanza, echoed Botoman’s sentiments that the party has resolved its differences.

The sentiments come three weeks after Mutharika and former DPP vice-president (South) Kondwani Nankhumwa embraced during a rally in Mangochi, a gesture political analysts said was a sign of reconciliation.

Botomani and Jooma were in the Nankhumwa camp.

DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba is on record as having said the DPP has never been divided, saying it was united under Mutharika’s leadership.