If I were Jappie Mhango

Government spokesperson, I would realise that the assertion that President Peter Mutharika is considering buying a presidential jet came from his press secretary Gerald Viola and, therefore, by dismissing the claims, I am actually contradicting the big shot because Viola speaks on his behalf.

If I were the Minister of Information, Tourism and Civic Education, I would appreciate that there is no way a presidential press officer can cook up such a sensitive issue against the President, on whose behalf he speaks.

How I wish I were bwana Jappie, because I would realise that the point is not whether the President or indeed government have plans to buy a jet or not, but why I, as government spokesperson, is contradicting the presidential spokesperson.

I would realise that the President might have discussed the issue at some point with his press aide, probably over a cup of coffee, where I was not available.

That is of course, if I were Jappie Mhango, the government spokesperson, but nay, I am not him!