Tag Archives: Grezelder Jeffrey

Malawi, Politics

“DPP did not sanction Jeffrey’s press conference”-Namalomba

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Infighting continues to wreck in opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) following the party’s Secretary General (SG) Grezelder Jeffrey’s press conference held in Lilongwe on Friday announcing the DPP National Governing Council (NGC) meeting as the leadership did not sanction the presser.

DPP Spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba is reportedly in the local media disputing Jeffrey’s presser, “The press conference was conducted without party blessings”.

Namalomba describes Jeffrey’s remarks as mere noise arguing that she is simply attempting to get recognition.

“Take it as noise. That’s not the stand of the party. It’s not true that she has been in touch with Professor Mutharika. After all, she is an interested party,” says Namalomba.

During the briefing, DPP SG called for a party’s NGC slated for Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in preparation for the incoming elective convention.

Jeffrey told the news conference that the delegates at the meeting, will among others agree on the date to hold party’s elective convention.

DPP SG told the press conference that she already informed party’s president Peter Mutharika on the impending NGC meeting arguing that the decision to have NGC meeting follows a high court order.

In September, the High Court in Lilongwe ordered the DPP to hold a convention within 90 days.

Initially, the former governing DPP was supposed to hold a convention mid this year but the conference was shifted to next year.

Since the DPP lost Presidential elections in 2020, the party has been in leadership crisis.

Politics

DPP SG Grezelder Jeffrey rebuffs Chaponda as Opposition Leader

Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Dust is refusing to rest in the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as the party’s Secretary General Grelzeder Jeffrey is refusing to recognize the election of George Chaponda who has been recently appointed the new leader of opposition in the Malawi’s National Assembly.

Jeffrey rebuffs Chaponda as leader of opposition in parliament

Chiponda was appointed the new opposition leader on June 26, 2022 at a function held at PAGE house in Mangochi replacing Kondwani Nankhumwa, one of the DPP top members.

In a statement Maravi Post has seen, Jeffrey says she does not recognize Chaponda’s appointment because the incumbent leader Kondwani Nankhumwa was duly elected by over two thirds of all DPP and independent parliamentarians affiliated to the party in an election that was sanctioned by the Office of Speaker of National Assembly unlike Chaponda’s appointment which deliberately sidelined other MPs.

Jeffrey also claims that the meeting in Mangochi was attended by minority number of MPs both for DPP and Independent who were deliberately selected to participate in the election.

She says for instance, only 34 MPs attended the meeting that nominated and confirmed Chaponda as the new leader of opposition.

“Many MPs were not invited. As matter of fact, even myself as the Secretary General of the party I was not invited and did not attend,” says Jeffrey.

She says it is also transpired that no actual election took place at the meeting as only independent legislator simply proposed Chaponda’s name and few others confirmed and then the meeting adopted him of having been elected.

She says; “Following the purported election of Hon. Chaponda, the Administrative Secretary of the party Fransis Mphepo issued a letter on the same.

“This communication is an illegality and against the DPP’s Constitution because it is the Secretary General who is mandated to issue letters of this nature.

“Mr. Francis Mphepo is a secretary in my office and works under my instructions. In this case, however, I never delegated or instructed him to do so,” refuses Jeffrey.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey has appealed to all DPP members and all Malawians to disregard the communication from Mphepo and consider the said election null and void .

Politics

DPP fires Nankhumwa, Jeffrey and two others

Maneno Chimulala
Kondwani Nankhumwa and Former President Peter Mutharika – PIC taken before squabbles

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has fired four members, namely vice president for the South, Kondwani Nankhumwa, secretary general Greselder Jeffrey, treasure general Jappie Mhango and Mulanje legislator Yusuf Nthenda.

Impeccable source indicates that the decision has been made at an executive meeting held today by the DPP top brass in Mangochi at the party’s President Peter Mutharika’s residence.

The party’s decision comes amid divisions that are being propagated by Nankhumwa to achieve his ‘selfish’ interests of leading the party.

The decision puts Nankhumwa at an awkward position in regards to his position as leader of opposition in parliament.

Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara,  today October 2, 2020 announced that Mulanje Central legislator Kondwani Nankhumwa is the Leader of Opposition in Parliament having been satisfied with the procedure in which the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers elected him to the position.

Hara made the announcement before adjourning the House for weekend recess.

On Wednesday, Malawi Parliament reversed the decision by President of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Peter Mutharika of appointing Francis Kasaila as new Leader of Opposition replacing Nankhumwa.

Brown Mpinganjira DPP spokesperson communicated to the press that the action taken by DPP legislators in Parliament could best be summarised as flouting of procedures or misquoting of the Constitution.

Politics

Malawi speaker confirms Nankhumwa as leader of opposition amid DPP protest

Maneno Chimulala
Kondwani Nankhumwa is now legitimate leader of opposition

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)–Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara, has today October 2, 2020 announced that Mulanje Central legislator Kondwani Nankhumwa is the Leader of Opposition in Parliament having been satisfied with the procedure in which the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers elected him to the position.

Hara made the announcement before adjourning the House for weekend recess.

According to the Speaker, DPP Secretary General, Grezeldar Jeffrey, submitted all documents to back up the election of Nankhumwa citing a court case of JZU vs Attorney General who represented the Speaker in that case where the Court said, “the election of the Leader of Opposition is solely for Members of Parliament of the largest party in Parliament”.

On Wednesday, Malawi Parliament reversed the decision by President of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Peter Mutharika of appointing Francis Kasaila as new Leader of Opposition replacing Nankhumwa.

The Parliament’s decision came following a protest from Mulanje West lawmaker Yusuf Nthenda who claimed that the Leader of Opposition is not appointed but elected by opposition Members of Parliament.

Nthenda questioned the idea to allow DPP president Mutharika, who is not a legislator, to dictate business of the House.

The MPs, therefore, held an election on Thursday where Nankhumwa won with 48 votes against four for Nsanje Central legislator Francis Kasaila, the preferred choice of DPP leader and the country’s immediate past president Mutharika.

However, Nankhumwa’s election to the position has brought mixed reactions with Blantyre City South legislator Noel Lipipa yesterday rebuking his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) colleagues for electing Nankhumwa as Leader of Opposition in Parliament against the guidance of the party’s president Professor Peter Mutharika.

Writing on his Facebook wall, Lipipa said DPP legislators must respect rule of law and what happened on Thursday is contrary.

“This morning I chose not to participate in the so called “Election” organised by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators to choose Leader of Opposition in Parliament, for the very simple reason that the Parliamentary Standing Order 35 (1) reads ‘the Leader of Opposition shall be elected by the party not in government having the greatest numerical strength in parliament at any point in time and officially announced as such by the speaker.

“Parliamentary Standing Order 36 reads ‘the Leader of Opposition may only be removed by the party that elected him or her,” said Lipipa quoting the Constitution.

Brown Mpinganjira DPP spokesperson communicated to the press that the action taken by DPP legislators in Parliament could best be summarised as flouting of procedures or misquoting of the Constitution.

However it remains to be seen what the DPP will take as it’s next course of action with the Speaker’s announcement.

Politics

Shakeups in Malawi’s DPP leadership: Nicholas Dausi reduced to mere member

Richard Kayenda
Mutharika: DPP President

Mzuzu-(Marapost)—Embattled former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has effected some changes in the party’s National Executive Committee (Nec) amidst infighting that has rocked the once mighty party.

According to a press statement issued by the party’s newly appointed spokesperson, Brown Mpinganjira, on 4th and 27th August, 2020, the party’s Central Committee held an indaba at its president Arthur Peter Mutharika’s current residence in Mangochi where the changes were effected.

“The Central Committee discussed various issues relevant to the rebuilding and strengthening of the Party after the 23rd June 2020 Presidential Elections. The Central Committee also considered all matters of interest and of concern to members of the DPP as received by the Central Committee through various means,” the statement reads in part.

Among other changes, the party central committee has elected Mr. Andrew Matemba as its Director of Elections, replacing Ben Malunga Phiri who recently resigned from the position on personal grounds; Brown Mpinganjira has replaced Nicholas Dausi and his deputy is Henry Mussa.

The party has also appointed Sheik Emran Mtenje as its Regional Governor responsible for the Eastern Region.

On the matter of the party’s Secretary General, Grezelder Jeffrey, the party Central Committee has disclosed the decision to fire her has been rescinded and the matter has been  referred to the party’s disciplinary committee to determine her fate.

George Chaponda has been appointed to chair the disciplinary hearing.

Recently, some senior members of the party have been championing for change of the party’s leadership.

Jeffrey and others have publicly declared that it is time for APM to relinquish power to other diehards of the party to take up its presidency. The idea seem not to have gone down well with the 23 June, 2020 defeated Mutharika; hence his decision to fire Jeffrey from her position.

Mutharika once told Nec members of the party that he is not giving up the party’s presidency until its next convention in 2023.

Quizzed on the future of Nicholas Dausi who was the party’s publicist, Brown Mpinganjira said nothing has changed as him and Henry Mussa have been appointed to complement Dausi’s job.

However, commentators have said practically Dausi has been fired considering that the duty that will be performed by Mpinganjira is similar to what Dausi was doing.

Top News

Firing Grezelder Jeffrey Is A Big Mistake: Mutharika Again Failing to Read the Writing on The Wall

Maravi Post Author
FIRING GREZELDER JEFFREY IS A BIG MISTAKE: MUTHARIKA AGAIN FAILING TO READ THE WRITING ON THE WALL

Shared by Maui Fish

The once Mighty DPP is now on the verge of collapse with Peter Mutharika at the helm. Mutharika does not know how to decipher and accommodate dissenting views. That is why Mutharika deemed Callista Mutharika’s views about his inability to lead DPP and the call for new blood. This eventually led to a growing faction in DPP which developed into the now UTM led by Saulos Chilima.

 Prior to the 2019 elections Mutharika  disregarded formidable party gurus like Chimunthu Banda in his choice for a running mate, he against all conventional wisdom opted for little known Chimulirenji, a choice which further weakened the party and raised more questions about his leadership acumen.

His 2019 victory was contested in court, despite his continuous refuting of the court proceedings as a judicial coup and subsequently losing the case in court, he still lived in denial maintaining that he had won.

When the Constitutional court gave its judgement on the Election case, we among others repeatedly indicated that Chilima and UTM was the missing part for DPPs victory in a 50+1 set-up. Chilima at Masintha rally said he was open to partner with UDF, MCP or DPP. In a blatant feat of pride Mutharika trashed calls to get Chilima alongside instead he opted for Atupele Muluzi and UDF, which was a weaker partner and party, respectively. Meanwhile Saulos Chilima had no choice but to go the MCP route to paradise by partnering with Lazarus Chakwera. The combined forces of the TONSE alliance was too much to handle for DPP. Within the same troubling times for DPP Mutharika continued his onslaught on Judiciary accusing it of a judicial coup, and subsequently sending the Chief Justice on leave pending retirement. The judiciary disputed this and demonstrated across the country.

Mutharika, he shook things up for Mutharika whose image was tainted by HRDC mudslinging demonstrations, the election case outcome, reports about his ailing health, old age, and waning leadership acumen. Contrary to expectation, Mutharika made no show on the campaign trail, though he had promised DPP supporters’ months earlier that Malawians will see a campaign never seen in Southern Africa. Mutharika missing in action led to a myriad speculation and portrayed a leader incapable to handle demanding affairs of state. He was destined to lose with a big margin, his arrogance and pride eventually resulted in a humbling loss of the mighty DPP to Tonse Alliance last July.

Now amidst calls for him to resign from the DPP Leadership as Party President, Mutharika wants to cling on. His own loyal Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey joined the echoes for the need an interim leadership convention. Mutharika is not ready to let go of the DPP, neither does he read the writing on the wall. He fires Grezelder the loyal soldier of the mighty DPP. This woman is the one who galvanized support for Mutharika and fought the biggest and the hardest to save Mutharika, firing Jeffrey is a grave mistake which will send the DPP into deeper oblivion. Grezelder has put her foot down that she is going nowhere. Change has come to DPP. Mutharika must reciprocate or witness mass Exodus of supporters and MPs into TONSE alliance parties.

Politics

Chaos in Malawi’s main opposition DPP: SG Grezelder Jeffrey fired as Ben Phiri resigns

Maneno Chimulala
Greselder Jeffrey wa Jeffrey
Greselder Jeffrey wa Jeffrey: fired

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)–Politician Grezelder Jeffrey has been fired as Secretary General of the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with immediate effect, Maravi Post has learnt.

Jeffrey has confirmed the development, saying it is connected to her views that the party’s leader Peter Mutharika has done his part and that it needs an early elective convention.

“I am not worried…actually this is good for me. I will be going home in Nkhotakhota,” she said.

On Tuesday, Jeffrey said the party would be going for an early elective convention to choose the president of the party as Mutharika needs to rest after doing his part.

Jeffrey, popularly known as Jeff wa Jeff, was appointed as the Secretary General of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) effective January 18 2017.

She replaced Francis Mphepo, who was the Acting SG.

In a related development, the party’s director of elections, Ben Phiri has tendered his resignation letter to the party paving way for new blood to take over from him following his failure to steer the party to electoral victory in the June 23 fresh presidential election.

“Madam Secretary General, as Director of Elections I surely cannot claim to have any fresh and viable strategies to spur the party into another victory having lost the past one. I therefore deem it noble and civil for me to follow the tradition in the civilized and mature democracies where such a loss would call for responsible office bearers to step down and pave way for fresh minds to take the party forward,” says Phiri in the letter.

Though not indicating as reason behind the resignation, Phiri has further said some party officials accused him of selling the elections to the then opposition parties for personal gains, an allegation he has described as disturbing and defamatory.

Malawi

210 MCP/UTM members in Chitipa defect to DPP

Malawi News Agency (MANA)
Over 200 Malawi Congress Party and United Transformation Movement members in Chitipa, Sunday announced their defection to the ruling Democrat Progressive Party (DPP).

By Bishop Witmos


Mzuzu, May 25, Mana: Over 200 Malawi Congress Party and United Transformation Movement members in Chitipa, Sunday announced their defection to the ruling Democrat Progressive Party (DPP).

The members were welcomed to the ruling DPP during a rally at Chitipa Boma.

DPP regional governor for the North Rev. Christopher Mzomera Ngwira, said the development was a clear manifestation that the DPP is popular in the district and the region.

“This is an indication that come June 23, 2020 when the country will have fresh presidential election, DPP will amass a lot of votes from the district as the party has always proved to be development conscious in serving the needs for the citizenry, “said Ngwira.

Accompanied by some senior leaders of the party who included DPP Vice President for the North, Goodall Gondwe, DPP Secretary General, Grezelder Jeffrey, DPP National Director of Logistics, Symon Vuwa Kaunda among others, Ngwira said the DPP has implemented a lot of development projects in the district hence the people’s confidence in the party’s leadership.

“Today, we have received 210 members from Malawi Congress Party and United Transformation Movement. This is an indication that the party has followers across the country and that we are going to triumph come June 23,” said Ngwira.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s government ended water woes in Chitipa through the Kalenge Water Supply Project. The district is also boasting of improved road network and electricity through Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (Marep).

The district has also new projects under way and these include the Chitipa-Mbilima Road which will connect the Republic of Tanzania; Chitipa- Nthalire Road; a bus depot and stadium at Chitipa Boma.

A top DPP member and business man, Leston Mulli donated K3million to Chitipa Football Club and pledged his continued supports towards the team.

DPP Secretary General, Grezelder Jeffrey advised people in the district to rally behind Prof. Peter Mutharika during the forth coming fresh presidential election, describing the president as a true democrat.

Sub- Traditional Authority Mwakabanga commended the DPP led government for the construction of Kasama Technical College, Chisenga Girls Boarding Secondary School and Kalenge Water Supply Project among others.
Mana

Malawi

Malawi President Mutharika has earned a Mandate to continue governing- Grezelder Jeffrey

Ufulu
President Professor Mutharika deserves a fresh mandate to govern. He is a tried and tested democrat with renewed passion to lift Malawi to prosperity. Let’s all vote for him in the forthcoming fresh Presidential poll for continued inclusive national development,” urges DPPs Secretary General Grezeldar Jeffrey.

MaraviPost: Malawi President Professor Mutharika deserves a fresh mandate to govern. He is a tried and tested democrat with renewed passion to lift Malawi to prosperity. Let us all vote for him in the forthcoming fresh Presidential poll for continued inclusive national development,” urges DPPs Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey.

She has addressed multitudes in various areas including Kamwendo trading Centre in the area of Traditional Authority Kamwendo in Malawi’s boarder district of Mchinji.

She was on a joint whistle stop tour on Monday with DPP’s Director of Operations Lonzo Zimba and the UDF’s Director of elections Clement Stambuli.

After the whistle stops, Jeffrey, who is also deputy Minister of Local government proceeded to Kapiri trading centre in Mchinji North East Constituency where she has laid a foundation stone for the construction of a market and a bus depot.

 Speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders in the district, Senior Chief Dambe has pledged continued commitment to working with the current administration for continued sustainable development. –Reported by Mwai Mtumodzi, MBC.

District News, Politics

DPP Secretary General Unfazed with ConCourt Ruling says Party will win forced Elections

Maravi Post Reporter
DPP promises another victory in fresh elections.

Mzuzu, February 28, MaraviPost: Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey of the Mighty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  has told supporters  the party that has never lost an election will win again the elections scheduled for May, 2020 following the nullification of the May 21, 2019 presidential election by the Constitution court.

Secretary General Grezelder said this on Friday when she presented DDP’s petition to Mzuzu City Council protesting the nullification of the presidential election.

The party conducted a peaceful march in the city two days after another march in Lilongwe.

“I want to inform all people who took part in voting to do the same if the Supreme court of Appeal would decide otherwise to vote in large numbers and retain the presidency,” said Jeffrey.

She challenged that the DPP would continue ruling the country.

“You are the ones who voted for President Professor Peter Mutharika and therefore the party will still rule this country till 2084 because you are the ones who choose president of the country,” she said.

DPP Treasurer General who is also Minister of Health and Population Jappie Mhango said the party is set for fresh elections adding that resources are readily available for campaign.

“We are very prepared even if elections will take place tomorrow. We are ready and I can guarantee you, we are going to win with land slide victory,” said Mhango.

Speaking to Journalists after presenting a 10-point petition DPP Treasure General Henry Mussa said as the party they are not satisfied with the Constitutional Court Judgement regarding May 21, 2020 presidential election.

Mussa further said the party wants Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate the allegations that some people wanted to give bribes to constitutional court Judges and also that some of the judges are related to some of the petitioners.

Echoing on the same, DPP southern region governor Charles Mchacha applauded supporters for remaining peaceful during the match.

On February 3, 2020 ConCourt ordered fresh presidential elections to be held within 150 days due to irregularities that marred the May 21, 2019 presidential elections.