BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has issued a strongly worded demand for an unconditional apology from Lilongwe Chilobwe Member of Parliament (MP), Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya, following remarks made in Parliament linking the party’s president to the controversial Mega Farms loan defaulters list.
In a formal letter signed by AFORD’s Secretary General Linda Limbe accused the legislator of making “baseless and malicious” allegations against the party’s president, who also serves as Malawi’s Second Vice President, Enock Kanzingeni Chihana.
The party expressed deep disappointment that such claims were raised on the floor of Parliament, arguing that the statements not only misrepresented facts but also damaged the integrity of one of the country’s top constitutional office bearers.
According to the letter, the accusations were made in connection with the Mega Farms project an initiative that has already stirred political tension amid allegations of loan defaults and mismanagement during the administration of former President Lazarus Chakwera.
AFORD maintains that it is “implausible” for Chihana to have sought a fertilizer loan under the Mega Farms arrangement, describing him as a renowned fertilizer supplier with operations extending beyond Malawi into other African markets.
The party further pointed to the intervention by the First Deputy Speaker during the parliamentary session, who reportedly demanded a withdrawal of the statement, as well as clarification from the responsible minister moves AFORD says underscore the seriousness of the error.
In its communication, AFORD questioned how an elected representative could misidentify or wrongly implicate the Second Vice President, emphasizing that Malawians expect a high standard of integrity and responsibility from Members of Parliament.
The party argued that such allegations not only undermine the dignity of Chihana personally but also bring the august House into disrepute.
AFORD has now given Chaziya seven days to issue a written, unconditional apology acknowledging the mistake and clearing the name of its party president.
Failure to comply, the letter warns, will compel the party to take unspecified action signaling that the matter could escalate beyond political rhetoric.
The letter has also been copied to the Speaker of Parliament and the Leader of Opposition, indicating that AFORD wants the issue addressed at the highest parliamentary level.
As the Mega Farms controversy continues to ripple through Malawi’s political landscape, this latest confrontation sets the stage for yet another high stakes clash inside the corridors of power.
