During the campaign period Saulos Chilima insisted the Court sanctioned fresh presidential election will be held even if government deliberately spreads the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic what he called deliberate poor response.
It was not only Chilima, Joyce Banda’s political statements on the Coronavirus have been rightly condemned by both government leaders and even supporters of the Tonse Alliance. In a play to gain favor for her diminishing political fortunes and influence in the Tonse Alliance Banda claimed there is no Coronavirus in Malawi.
Joyce Banda COVID-19 denial statements are irresponsible and unbefitting of a former President
In response the Malawi Government has dismissed as false and irresponsible remarks made by former President Joyce Banda that the country has no Covid-19 cases. In a statement by the Minister of Information Mark Botoman says such remarks, coming from a parent and a former president, are not only irresponsible but also unfortunate and lacking in patriotism.
Lazarus Chakwera supported the move by HRDC to file an injunction to stop Government from putting measures in place to fight COVID-19.
The utterances from Joyce Banda so angered Botoman, that he accused former President Mrs. Joyce Banda of not loving Malawi and did not care if many Malawians died of the pandemic.
So, today that he is now in power Dr Lazarus Chakwera Saturday warned Malawians to be extra careful about the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, saying “it is spreading all over Malawi” since the first case was identified in April.
In a national address delivered from his private residence in Lilongwe, the President said the disease was “now a matter of life and death.”
Apparently now he is President he has realised how serious the disease has become. His ambitions for power allowed him to sacrifice the lives of Malawians.
He said 16 people have died since April 3, and 1,400 people have tested positive for the virus.
Lazarus Chakwera, flanked by Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, said the pandemic was “worse today than three months ago and half of the 1400 tested got the disease in the last three weeks.”
“Most of the infections have spread in the local community,” he added.
Among the measures to contain the spread of the deadly disease, the newly minted Malawi leader said on Independence day and inauguration celebrations July 6, only 20, 000 people will be allowed to enter the Bingu National Stadium as a measure to contain the spread of the disease.
Yet while campaigning he did not require his supporters to wear Masks. So, what has changed now?
He said only mask wearing people will be allowed to enter the 40,000-seater facility, and those without will be provided free masks.
Lazarus Chakwera said: “We will win this fight no matter how long it takes. The only way to defeat the pandemic is to work together.”
Honeymoon ndiye yatha nsangatu. Hit by Coronvirus pandemic in such a very poor country not even before inauguration is done. It looks like running government is indeed a serious business. Let the work begin!