He is a man I admire at the moment. He is one of the rare gems. He is quiet extra-ordinary. He is a rare breed of people. And this is why: one, Ben Phiri is the current executive assistant to the president. His closest confidante. No qualms. No doubt about this. No apologies. No question. In fact, Ben has been in that position since the day he knew the president. How and when the two great buddies knew each other is none of our business.
The naked truth, however, is that the president trusts Ben. And Ben trusts the president too. Their friendship is a two way traffic. A symbiotic one. And no noone can and will ever put a sunder between the two. Never! When times became tough for the professor, Ben was there. By his side. When Bingu died. Ben was there. By his side. When Peter got arrested Ben was there. By his side. He was beaten and severely attacked in the process. But he never quit. A strong man Ben you are! Ben was also beaten in Thyolo and at Mt Soche Hotel. He almost lost his life. All on behalf of Peter. What a friend! What a sacrifice! Fast forward to 2015: APM is now president. He is a free man. So too is Ben. Are you surprised? Why do you have to? Ben, therefore needs not to be ridiculed and tormented. Leave the man to enjoy his peace of mind. He has been through enough already.
His departure from government would be opening a hole that would sink APM. The president would be exposed to many attacks. Ben must stay. He is a buffer for APM. A rock. Not a fence. He fully knows and understand the president better than you and me. The president confides in Ben. The president has a lot confidence. And we all know the reason. Ben has been there always both as a friend and a helper. And may the president never be tempted to listen to disgruntled voices to get rid of Ben. Ben is the man. Very loyal. Very committed. Very enduring. Very different from many of us who betray friends when things turn torpsy-turvy. Not Ben. He is a true patriot.
Do you remember how he single handedly managed to run the PROFESSOR ARTHUR PETER MUTHARIKA SOUTHERN REGION DISTRICT AND FOOTBALL LEAGUE? Peters’ assets and bank accounts had been frozen by then. But Ben stood firm. What a man! So let the attacks on Ben simmer. Ben is not a national liability. Nay! We have real problems that as individuals and country should focus our energies on. Not fighting Ben. Worst of time and resources! Bens’ riches are deserved. And he will be more richer and successful now than before. Keep my words!
And for you Ben, I advise you not to be distracted and worst time fighting. Indeed you are a foot soldier. And this was demonstrated during the two years that DPP was red carded. For now, Stay strong. Stay focused. Never be shaken. Serve APM to the best of your ability. Develop from the negative voices. Grow a thick skin.
You are destined for greatness in life. Something bigger and better is coming your way. After storm comes calm Ben. Face neither East nor West but forward. As enemies gather for you, let them. They all gather to scatter Ben. You might have lost battles in life Ben, but you are now to win wars and God will provide all the resources to you for defeating the enemies. He will fight for you. As he did for David and Joseph. You are able and capable. Stay on course. Champions never quit. All quitters are never champion. Borrow a leaf from APM. You know better how he managed to salvage and survive the 2012 -2014 political storm. Keep fit Ben. I salute you, Mqobera..