Article By: Lloyd M’bwana
It never rains but pours with challenges in the New Year for the former governing United Democratic Front (UDF) following the party’s central region committee disowning its First Vice President Iqbal ‘Nthandizi’ Omar’s firing arguing that only convention could remove him from the party’s ranks and files.
The development comes barely three weeks after ‘Nthandizi’ Omar challenged the party’s decision to expel him on grounds that was forming parallel structures.
Omar who is the business tycoon criticized its leader Atupele Muluzi of sabotaging the party ranks with the decision in partnering with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) describing the alliance as illegitimate which lacks foundation.
Omar clearly said was not happy with UDF-DPP alliance arguing that the pact lacked legitimacy as its leader Atupele Muluzi did not make any formal consultation with members on how best such relation could work.
The former Lilongwe City South West law maker together with other two party officials including Zaituna Yusuf and Dinocius Magombo deputy director of women and central region governor respectively was on Friday, December 4, 2015 expelled from the party after National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which he attended.
But on Thursday, December 31, UDF central region committee through the press conference held at its regional offices- Area 24 in the capital Lilongwe, committee members drawn from Salima, Dedza, Lilongwe and Dowa expressed sadness over Omar’s dismissal describing the decision as illegitimate and an acceptable that only convention could indorse his expulsion.
Alex Waziri, one of the Atupele Muluzi’s former security personnel chaired the news conference who criticized the party President for failing to united members following numerous squabbles flourishing especially in central region arguing that he needed to pave away for capable people to man the party.
Waziri argued that Omar’s dismissal did not follow right procedures by failing to bring his matter before disciplinary committee for amicable resolutions which Atupele and other NEC members did not comply.
“Firstly, let me clear myself out over rumours that I was the master minder of our President Atupele Muluzi’s recent house ambush. If these rumours are anything to go by then why did the police arrest me? This type of approach won’t work but a disaster for the mighty UDF.
“Atupele Muluzi has failed to manage the party’s affairs by uniting members to be one family. He is busy with gossipers and those seeking financial support from him not party’s issues. Instead of revamping party structures he has chosen to align himself with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as if that’s where he belongs.
“Therefore, the firing of Omar who has been with UDF from its establishment is a total blow to the party which we think aims at selling us to DPP which we won’t accept at all cost. This is the reason we are calling the for a mini convention to settle Omar’s issue not only him but including the entire Presidency for failing to manage
the party’ affairs”, fumed Waziri.
Echoing on the same, Dyton Chiluzi, a central region committee member from Dedza district questioned the wisdom of expelling Omar who has proved to be reviving the party structures by using his resources but instead of supporting the good gesture the party’s presidency chose to punish the saviour.
Godfrey Katima, another committee member from Salima dismissed accusation levelled against Omar on forming parallel structures saying such remarks aimed at dragging ‘Nthandizi’ Omar vigor to move the party forward.
“If the party fails to hold the mini-convention, it means all positions remain intact but the noise will continue until President Atupele is to wake up from the slumber to address the matter amicably as one family. He has to remember that it’s UDF which put him in that post. The party belongs to all members not to few individuals or family. If he isn’t be careful his coming back to the party will be tough”, warns Katima.
There was no immediate reaction from Ken Ndanga, UDF Spokesperson on the call for convention but early Ndanga hinted that the NEC has the mandate to fire any member who contravenes the party’s laws and statues.
