If I Were Peter Mutharika

President of the Republic of Malawi, I would realise that there was no need to get annoyed by accusations of a bloated entourage to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to the point of boasting that “I do not need your money.”

If I were APM, I would appreciate that in the absence of clear communication from government regarding the entourage, there was bound to be speculation, considering that it involved taxpayers’ money at a time when government is battling a severe economic squeeze.

If only I were the President, I would also appreciate that it was insensitive and an insult to Malawians to publicly challenge that I can do without taxpayers money when it is the same taxpayer who contributes towards the executive suits that I now wear, like the one I put on the day I addressed the press conference.

How I wish I were one Arthur Peter Mutharika, my President for I would also realise that there was no need to get annoyed to the point of banging tables, because as a President I am subject to public scrutiny regardless of the fat bank account I have in New York.

Oh yes, that is if only I were the man with an account in New York.