By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s right group, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has dared President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government to respect Ombudsman decision on the determination made on embattled Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Chief Executive office Henry Kachaje.
HRDC observes that Chakwera’s Tonse silent on Kachaje fate is the violation of the country’s constitution evidenced by covering up the later through court order.
In a statement dated October 10, 2022, signed by HRDC Chairperson, Gift Trapence says, “As a watchdog organization we are extremely saddened to note that several months after Ombudsman gave a lucid determination on the employment of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Chief Executive office, Henry Kachanje. Tonse government has not taken any actions in respect to the determination and Mr Kachanje is still in the office”.
HRDC stated that last week Ombudsman directed the dismissal of National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA)Deputy Chief Executive officer, Hellen Buluma after it find that everything surrounds it’s work it’s illegal
He said the determination Ombudsman clearly stated that the contract of Buluma should be terminated with immediate effects.
The coalition is therefore demanding government through Office of Attorney General (AG) and other stakeholders should see it that rule of law is respected not undermined as the Constitution is Constitution body established to strengthen democracy whose determination ought to be respected.
He said the coalition expects adheres and respect of law on NOCMA determination with 30 days as stipulated in the Ombudsman report.
HRDC promised demand respect of rule of law to stop government undermining the office of the Ombudsman that is merging at alarming rate.
About a week has elapsed after Ombudsman ordered that Buluma be fired at NOCMA for illegal recruitment while Kachaje still banking on court order at MERA over fake qualification papers.
