Federalism, secession: Revolt in God’s Kingdom

The debate on whether the country should adopt federalism or indeed the Northern Region secede from the rest of the country continues. Proponents and opponents are advancing what they call ‘valid grounds why Malawi should become a federal State or not. However, preacher-cum-politician, Professor John Chisi, warns that God’s curse would befall this nation if either federalism or secession was adopted. Chisi says it would be against God’s plan to divide a nation He united at creation. Our reporter WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR had a chat with him.

What do you think triggered calls for federalism or secession?

Calls for federalism or secession are the work of politicians. They have their own reasons, which I am not willing to disclose here. Certainly, their goal is not necessarily to achieve an equitable distribution of resources.

Malawi does not need federalism or secession to achieve that. What we need are God-fearing leaders. Mind you, it’s not all leaders who were called and commissioned by God. Some are in positions of through hook and crook; and you can’t say such people have the blessing of God to govern.

The point I am trying to drive at is that unfair distribution of resources, nepotism, tribalism and favouritism are the works of the devil. Therefore, any leader that advocates for either of them is certainly not God-sent because the Creator cherishes unity of His people.

How can voters tell who God-sent leaders are?

God-sent leaders are humble, accommodative and ready to forgive. In fact, the Bible teaches us the qualities of a good leader; a leader who was commissioned by God.

I must emphasise, however, that this humility and ability to forgive must be genuine; not what we are experiencing in Malawi where leaders simply pretend because it is such pretence that has held this nation from developing.

A good example of nations that are suffering because of fake or staged forgiveness by their leaders is Israel. God is withholding His blessings on Israel because leaders do not want to forgive and unite.

And I don’t think that is what we want for our nation.

Would Jesus Christ be concerned federalism or secession?

God or indeed His Son Jesus Christ cannot rally behind proponents of federalism or secession. What you need to know is that both ideas are aimed at dividing the nation, which will, in effect, mean we are rebelling against the Kingdom of God.

Malawi is God’s own Kingdom and whoever proposes its division is effectively planning mutiny against His establishment.

But proponents claim federalism would improve social and economic development of this country.

Are you telling me that God would not be pleased?

Never be cheated! Federalism or no federalism, this country can still register growth if leaders put their personal interests aside and work to unite and develop this country.

In fact, this country is somehow already divided on nepotistic, tribal and ethnic lines. Who can tell me that regionalism, tribalism and nepotism have helped us grow our economy?

What would be your advice to both proponents and opponents of federalism?

Both parties must stop abusing Malawians when advancing and pursuing their personal goals. Reading between the lines, you will note that both parties could be reaping huge turnovers from the divisions that this topic has brought in Malawi.

God is watching and would certainly punish those advancing a revolt against His duly established Kingdom.