Written by Richard Kayenda
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)—Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has asked the Ministers of Information and Health, Mark Botomani and Jappie Mhango respectively, to immediately resign from their positions following their embroilment in the squander of funds meant for the fight against Covid 19 pandemic.
In a letter that has been signed by HRDC’s Chairperson, Gift Trapence, the Organisation has indicated that should the two ministers fail to do as demanded, it will resort to holding demonstrations and vigils at the Capital Hill.
“You have displayed a behaviour unbecoming of the noble and honourable office that you hold. Just the other day, Mark Botomani, you were on Times Television lying to the nation that you and your team are not drawing allowances from the Covid 19 pot, only to be caught on camera conniving with your colleague to cover up the racket.
“This is a scandal of the highest proportion. You do not deserve to continue holding the office you are holding. It is more disheartening and heartless of you to note that while the Covid 19 budget is already in red, you and your colleagues are busy cashing in on the pandemic,” reads the in part.
The letter has, therefore, demanded that the ministers should return the funds which they have so far drawn from the Covid 19 budget. HRDC has also hinted that it will be writing the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to institute a thorough investigation into the scandal.
At the time Maravi Post went to press, the two ministers had not yet responded to the letter.
HRDC’s call comes at a time the two ministers are being publicly criticised for telling the general public that they are not withdrawing any allowances from the Covid 19 funds yet they have been getting hefty amounts of money; ranging from K350, 000 to K450, 000 per day in form of allowances.
