By Jones Gadama in Neno
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, on Friday presided over the installation of Patrick Chekucheku as Traditional Authority Chekucheku V in Neno District, bringing to an end 14 years of wrangles and court battles over the chieftaincy.
The installation had previously been cancelled at the 11th hour after another family obtained a court injunction months ago, prolonging the uncertainty and division in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Phiri said it was his wish to see families in chieftaincies uniting after disputes, so that there is order and peace in the institution of traditional leadership.
“It is my wish to see families uniting. Chieftaincy disputes only delay development. When families fight for 14 years, it is the subjects who suffer. Now that this matter is resolved, let us embrace each other and move forward as one family,” said Dr. Phiri.
He urged the newly installed chief to be a father to all, regardless of which side they supported during the dispute, and to work closely with Government and the council to bring development to Neno.
What stunned chiefs and subjects was the humility of the Minister.
Chiefs said they have never seen a Local Government Minister so humble, kind and respectful to chiefs.
According to chiefs present, Dr. Phiri knelt down before them in respect, a gesture they said no minister in the history of Malawi has ever done.
“Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri must live long. No Local Government Minister in the history of Malawi has ever respected chiefs like him. Others presented themselves as bosses while Phiri presented himself as a servant,” said one senior chief.
In his speech, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V called for unity and reconciliation in the area and advised the newly crowned chief to champion education.
“A community that has uneducated people faces serious challenges when it comes to the implementation of development. We need educated sons and daughters to transform our areas,” said Inkosi Gomani V.
He further advised leaders and parents to teach their children respect, so that communities build stronger moral foundations.
People in Neno praised President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for appointing a servant leader like Dr. Ben Phiri who respects culture and traditional leadership.
