Government takes federalism debate to chiefs
Presidential adviser on national unity and parliamentary matters Symon Vuwa Kaunda has embarked on a week-long travel, persuading influential chiefs in the Northern Region against increasing demands for secession and federal government.
Since Sunday, the presidential aide has been to Rumphi and Nkhata Bay where traditional and religious leaders unanimously denied being consulted by politicians campaigning for either secession of the North or a switch to federal rule.
Among those petitioning for the breakaway is People’s Party (PP) provincial chairperson Reverend Christopher Mzomera Ngwira.
On Sunday, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi denounced the calls as ill-advised, warning it could sow seeds of division among Malawians.
On Monday, Senior Chief Fukamapiri of Nkhata Bay said traditional leaders were against continued talk about the “divisive calls” because they were neither approached by Ngwira who is pushing for secession nor PP vice-president Harry Mkandawire who called for federalism.
“As chiefs, we were never consulted and we have taken a stand that we are not part and parcel of the talk about federalism or secession. What we want is development, especially the reconstruction of Mzuzu-Nkhata Bay Road,” said the chief.
However, Ngwira promised never to relent in the battle for the North to become a standalone entity like South Sudan even though some “selfish leaders are getting positions and millions of taxpayers’ kwacha” in countering the emerging calls for federalism and secession.
In an interview, Ngwira queried: “What consultation? Do you consult when you have an obvious problem in your house? Is it not well documented that the North has long been sidelined, deceived and taken for a ride?
“Clearly, it’s not the chiefs talking, but the money being distributed. DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] is using the same old mistake of abusing chiefs to speak against the voices and wishes of their people.”
Kaunda was scheduled to meet Paramount Chief Kyungu and other chiefs in Karonga and Chitipa yesterday.
Northerners, take your belongings, go north and declare independence. No one will come and force you to come back south or center. 10% of the population should not be making noise all the time, the only thing that would satisfy you selfish lot is if ALL positions in the country were occupied by northerners the way Mzuzu university or ILLOVO Sugar coperation or Total Malawi are. Tell Harry Nkandawire and this Ngwira to lead by example and transfer North with immediate effect, why hanging around in Lilongwe while calling for secession?