Chafukira vows to continue fighting for Tembo’s resignation

By AEP/Richard Chirombo

The reality of dismissal for former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson, Ishmael Chafukira, seems to be sinking in now, replacing the aura of defiance and self denial.

The controversial MP has now started speaking in reverse gear.

Need an example?

"Though they say they have sacked me from the party, they must know that the battle is not over. It has just begun. I will continue to fight for (party president John) Tembo's resignation from top leadership: he has messed up the party," said Chafukira Friday.

Chafukira attracted the wrath of the party (he says it is the wrath of Tembo, and not the party) when he openly enthused in the media that Tembo was ripe for retirement.

This was in sharp contrast to his, hither to, good boy attitude. He almost always agreed with Tembo's sentiments during the first five years of Mutharika's administration, as the opposition United Democratic Front and MCP ganged up to frustrate government business in parliament.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was then in minority, having been formed after the 2004 presidential and parliamentary elections. DPP presidential candidate, Bingu wa Mutharika, stood on UDF ticket during the 2004 presidential elections but later unceremoniously dumped the party, citing the party's efforts in attempting to what he called his zero-tolerance to corruption.

Now that the political tide has changed course and DPP is in majority in parliament, Chafukira. Too, saw the opportunity to wear off his 'good boy' politics and air our what he termed 'majority' concerns within the rank and file of the MCP.

He is now the sacrificial lamb.

"But I am not finished. I have just paved the way and things will real change. I don't regret expressing my views because, as party spokesperson, I was speaking on behalf of the party membership. People feel that, with the disastrous May results, Tembo would see sense in paving way for others. Not at all," said Chafukira.

But, in a related interview, Tembo refused to comment on Chafukira's sentiments.

Tembo said he was not used to commenting on party "outsiders".

"Ishmael Chafukira? Who is Ishmael Chafukira? We don't have such a name in the MCP Executive Committee," said Tembo.

The way he put it, Chafukira hardly exists.