Lilongwe, May 21, 2015: Parliament, Wednesday confirmed Justice Andrew Nyirenda SC as the country’s Chief Justice.
Justice Nyirenda SC assumed the office as Acting Chief Justice on February 8, 2015 following the resignation of Chief Justice Anastanzia Msosa SC, and was appointed Chief Justice on March 15, 2015 by President Professor Peter Mutharika in accordance with section 111 (1) of the constitution of Malawi.
Minister of Justice and Constitution Affairs, Samuel Tembenu described the appointed Chief Justice as a person who has vast experience in law both locally and internationally.
Tembenu explained, “Justice Nyirenda SC is the right person to be appointed on this position. He showed good leadership qualities to those working around him and we believe that his leadership will develop a new culture in the country’s courts as he has no pending judgements in all the cases he handled.”
He said the appointed Chief Justice has all the characters it takes for a person to assume the high office of the county’s judiciary.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Spokesperson, Peter Chakhwantha said he was not surprised with the appointment of Justice Nyirenda SC as he is the most senior judge in the country.
He then advised the appointed Chief Justice to improve the image of the judiciary and deal with the all judicial challenges.
Chakhwantha added that the appointed Chief Justice should uproot corruption in judicial systems, never delay justice to those in need of it and judgement should be passed procedurally.
He then asked government to allocate more resources to judiciary on the 2015/16 budget for smooth delivery of services.
Chakhwantha also asked the appointed Chief Justice to do justice to all Malawians.
Patricia Nangozo Kainga who spoke on behalf of Peoples Party (PP) commended the President for appointing Justice Nyirenda SC.
She also concurred with Chakhwantha in advising the appointed Chief Justice to ensure a corrupt free judicial system and that all corrupt judges should be brought to book.
Kainga added that the Chief Justice should make sure that all the courts are in operational including those in rural areas.
She further said is her believe that courts strikes will end as these greatly affect judgements.
Justice Nyirenda SC is the 8th Chief Justice to be appointed in the county since independence. He has a Master’s Degree in Law, worked as a State Advocacy from 1980 to 1992, worked as Chief Public Prosecutor (Director of Prosecution) and Judge of Supreme Court of Appeal. He also chaired the death of Robert Chasowa Commission of Inquiry and he has served in Judiciary for 35 years.
146 Members of Parliament voted and 141 was for confirmation, four No’s and One abstain.
