Law Society leadership quits
In an unprecedented development in recent years, Malawi Law Society (MLS) president Mwiza Nkhata and honorary secretary Michael Goba Chipeta have resigned from their positions barely four months in office citing personal reasons.
The development has prompted the body to put in place a transitional team led by the society’s vice-president Alfred Majamanda and former treasurer Burton Chigo Mhango, who is now doubling as treasurer and acting honorary secretary.
Mhango said in a statement yesterday: “Pursuant to Rule 6 [2] of Malawi Law Society, I am writing in my acting capacity as acting secretary of Malawi Law Society, to announce that on 20th May 2018, secretary Michael Goba Chipeta resigned from the office of secretary of Malawi Law Society with immediate effect.”
Chipeta cited increased workload at his law firm.
On Nkhata, an associate professor of law, Mhango said he will be leaving the country at the end of June 2018 and is expected to spend “a couple of years” out of jurisdiction.
Both Nkhata and Majamanda confirmed the developments in separate interviews yesterday, adding the society has set up a transition period ahead of yet-to -be scheduled fresh elections.
The two were, however, quick to dismiss suggestions that the resignations have thrown MLS in turmoil, saying it was a mere coincidence that the president and secretary resigned at the same time.
Nkhata said he had notified the society that he will not be available to conduct his duties due to other commitments outside the country, but will remain in office until June 30th.
The move is unprecedented and comes four months after Nkhata was voted into office.
MLS is one of the respected voices on governance issues in the country.
