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Prominent members of UDF and other parties on Saturday formed a task force during a meeting held at Ekwendeni whose aim is to rally support for president Bingu wa Mutharika at a time when his party is trying to disown him.
According to Newton Kaira, who was elected vice chairman, the committee, headed by former UDF regional governor Harry Mkandawire, would strive to make sure that there is big support for the President and that he gets solace when the party tries to ditch him.
“We want development here and development comes from the government whose head is the President. This is the main reason why we have decided to support the President,” he said.
Kaira said they also responded to a call from the President to give him maximum support so that things should move forward.
“To be honest with you, the President has started very well and we are happy with that. But if we try to sideline him, what benefit are we going to get. Aren’t we contradicting ourselves by disowning someone we chose to lead us?” asked the vice-chairman.
Kaira said the force doesn’t comprise UDF members only but also members from other parties. He cited a Mr. Mnyenyembe from Aford, Rev Mfune, formerly of National Democratic Alliance, and Kasala of People’s Progressive Movement (PPM).
Mzuzu city UDF district governor Gotani Mkandawire, who was elected director of youth, said Bingu is only bad to those that are afraid of something. He said if one is clean there was nothing to worry about.
UDF publicity secretary Salule Masangwi said on Sunday if the task force has been formed to help the President in his development agenda, the party has no problem with it. But if it has a motive of trying to divide the party further into pro-Bingu or pro-Atcheya then it is bad.
“If they want to help in the development of the country, UDF as a party has no problem, but if they have a sinister motive then it is a sad story,” he said.
Some of the prominent members in the committee are UDF strongmen Phillip Banda and Kajiso Gondwe.
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