By Chisomo Phiri
Reports reaching 247 Malawi News indicate that opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials have sucked out of the party one of their own Members of Parliament for Chikwawa North Constituency Owen Chomanika over his decision to join Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government as deputy minister.
According to the Presidential spokesperson in the party, Shadric Namalomba despite that, Chomanika, who was on Thursday sworn-in as Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, had informed party leader Peter Mutharika of his impending appointment he is no longer fit to continue be with the party.
“He communicated to Professor Mutharika that because of the appointment, may he be allowed to quit in all forums for DPP, and that included the NGC, says Namalomba
He adds “As a party that advocates for civil liberties and freedom of association, we couldn’t stop him, much as the president gave him some words of wisdom to think twice about his decision.”
Namalomba says Chomanika’s appointment is tricky as it was not discussed at central executive meeting held in Mangochi last week.
“In effect, it is a constructive resignation because even he, himself cannot be comfortable participating in the affairs of the DPP.
“Of course, legally, he has not crossed the floor as he has been appointed into Cabinet. But politically, he has crossed the floor.”
On Wednesday, Chomanika confirmed accepting the Cabinet portifolio, where he will deputise Richard Chimwendo Banda.
“I have accepted the appointment and notified the party president [Peter Mutharika] on the same,” he said.
President Lazarus Chakwera announced a 25-member Cabinet, excluding the Presidency, comprising 19 Malawi Congress Party members, four UTM Party members, and one each from People’s Party and DPP.
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