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| National |
| UDF exodus hits 20 |
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by
Bright Sonani, 11 February 2005
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13:56:35
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Five prominent UDF members, including treasurer general Khumbo Kachali have announced their resignation from the party’s national executive committee (Nec), bringing the total of those who have quit to 20.
The five also include the party’s director of research George Chaponda, deputy director of education Henry Chimunthu Banda, northern region governor Wyson Mkochi, deputy national campaign director Patricia Kaliati and co-opted national executive member Anna Kachikho.
Kachali in an interview on Thursday disclosed that he was no longer a member of the party and he would formally announce his resignation today after handing over whatever was in his custody as treasurer general of the party.
“My concern, as it has always been, is that the North is underdeveloped and I know there is no way one can get development from the party. I would want to work with Dr Mutharika so that I should assist in facilitating development in the region,” he said.
He said after sending everything including vehicles, cheque books and hand over notes he was only waiting for party officials to give him feedback, acknowledging receipt, before making a formal announcement.
“I was waiting for them to give me feedback today and tomorrow I will make a formal announcement because I wanted to handle everything professionally,” he added.
Commenting on UDF assertions that people are going to Mutharika for positions and other benefits, Kachali said: “Ask Mutharika what position he has given me and ask Muluzi what position he gave me. I am always in elected positions; I was elected at a convention into the party’s Nec as treasurer general and I was again elected in my area as an MP.”
Kachikho, who is deputy minister of education and MP for Phalombe North, said she has quit the party due to demands of her constituents.
“If you follow my history I went into Parliament as an independent and joined the UDF because I thought I would assist government. Even my constituents told me to join the UDF. Now this is again what people in my area have told me; to follow Mutharika because that way I would assist government effectively,” she said.
Chaponda and Chimunthu Banda, who are also cabinet ministers announced their resignation from the Nec in a joint statement on Wednesday evening.
Chimunthu Banda said in an interview the situation in the Nec was not conducive for him and his colleague to work in.
“Nec endorsed and campaigned for the President during the elections and as members of Nec we had a task to support the President but what we have seen is that Nec has not been performing that task,” he said.
Chimunthu Banda said the two remain members of the party and were discussing with their lawyers the implications of resigning as MPs as well before they move out.
Mkochi on the other hand said he has completely moved out of the party because of his unceremonious removal as a regional governor and from the party’s Nec.
“I didn’t even have a phone call or anything informing me about my removal but just heard it on the radio so I thought it is better for me to leave the party,” he said.
Kaliati, who is deputy minister of local government and MP for Mulanje west said although she has not fully quit the party she will work closely with Mutharika.
“I will support the government because that is what people in my area have told me, but I have not left the party. That is my stand and it would be up to the party to decide whether I can still be a member of the party,” she said.
The five join other big names to go out of the UDF Nec including deputy secretary general Paul Maulidi, national organising secretary Salim Bagus, director of women affairs Joyce Banda, her deputy Zeria Chakale, director for agriculture Ben Dzowela, his deputy Henry Midiani, Central Region governor Uladi Mussa and former New Congress for Democracy (NCD) President Hetherwick Ntaba who was a co-opted Nec member.
The party has also so far lost director of social services Davis Katsonga, who was fired, elected members Sidik Mia and Yusuf Mwawa and co-opted members Salule Masangwi, who was publicity secretary, Kaliyoma Phumisa, Isaac Lamba, deputy Southern Region governor Samson Msosa and his Northern Region counterpart Gilbert Tomoka.
The UDF Nec is now remaining with less than 30 elected members and several co-opted members, most of whom came from the parties which were dissolved to join the UDF.
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