Africa-Press – Malawi. BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawians across the country say despite President Lazarus Chakwera assenting the new Corrupt Practices (Amendment) Act, there is need for Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma to pave way for another person if the fight against corruption will be won.
President Chakwera assented the new Bill a week ago meaning ACB can now proceed to prosecute corruption cases without seeking consent from Director of Public Prosecutions.
Almost all callers to Capital FM’s Sunday Roundtable discussion expressed dismay at why the ACB director is sticking to her job when she knows well that the new law does not cover her inefficiencies.
“The only way for the new law to be effective is when a new person comes in to head the Anti Corruption Bureau. Chizuma has already been tried and tested for eighteen months and we know her limitations,” said a caller from Lilongwe by the name of Obama wa ku Malawi.
Another caller from Chiradzulu says he sees Chizuma as the main detriment on the fight against corruption as such no any new law can save her right now.
“ACB may be more effective with new laws but for as long as Chizuma remains in her position then the whole exercise is futile. Let someone come and take over from her to bring fresh ideas and approach.”
Leading discussions were governance expert Humphreys Mvula and lawyer Justin Dzonzi who accused Chizuma of failing to work with others for desirable results.
The two pointed out at ongoing tensions between Chizuma and offices of Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions as a stain on the noble fight.
In his remarks Mvula said he was skeptical on the new law being effective if Chizuma continues to alienate he office from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
“The assenting of the Bill by the President shows political will on the part of government. However, there must be serious changes in how the ACB operates if this fight will be won. Chizuma should realise that she cannot do anything tangible if she sidelines these other offices,” said Mvula.
On his part Dzonzi reiterated the need for the ACB director to iron out her personal differences with DPP Steve Kayuni and Attorney General Thabo Nyirenda.
Chizuma has over the past months lost a lot of public goodwill due to her shortcomings in expediting cases and divulging sensitive operational information to friends. She is currently wanted in court over leaked audio for defamation.
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