Solicitor General Chikaya Banda walks out of ‘maizegate’ presidential inquiry: Commissioners to visit Zambia
Solicitor General (SG) and Secretary for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Janet Chikaya Banda has staged a walk out of presidential commission of inquiry on the Zambia maize saga after members of the civil society organisations (CSOs) criticised her on comments she posted on social media platform, Facebook.
CSO leaders called a spade a spade questioning the independence of the commissioners as they deemed Banda’s comments on Facebook as improper when she seemed to imply that the Judiciary was clueless on its powers and functions.
Banda’s post followed the High Court order stopping Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda from carrying out his duties pending findings of the commission of inquiry on the maizegate.
She wrote that Malawi was in a “democracy of anarchy” where “some of the three branches of government don’t know exactly what their powers and functions are.”
The CSO questioned commission whether their findins will be respected considering the bias that Solictor General showed by publicly supporting Chaponda in her criticism of the court’s decision and that Minister Chaponda is defying court order.
But Solicitor Genreral stormed out of the inquiry room in protest when the CSO team openly declared her Facebook post as “unnecessary, untimely, immature and unfortunate.”
She was seen walking out of the room hitting tables and making vile remarks as she found her way out.
Malawi Law Society (MLS) already rebuked Chikaya Banda’s remarks as blatantly undermining the decision of the court, describing it as a reckless and a regrettable assault on the Judiciary.
Zambia probe
Meanwhile, the Commission of Inquiry says it will be going to Zambia for more investigations on how State-produce trader Admarc procured the grain from Zambia.
Secretary of the Inquiry Mike Chinoko said inquiry officials would be able to gather the needed information on the maize procurement.
“We are still discussing as to when we can go to Zambia,” he said.
The parliamentary inquiry officials on the maizegate also say they will head to Zambia on the same probe of how Admarc bought maize from Zambia.
Chinoko said the decision to go to Zambia will not affect its work and the inquiry will meet the January 31 deadline.
He defended the decision of the inquiry to hold the hearing in camera.
“Some people cannot be comfortable to give the evidence live on radio or television,” he said.
Chinoko said the decision to hold the hearing in camera was reached at by the commission members.
Some sections of Malawians think Minister Chaponda and Admarc CEO were involved in suspicious dealings in the procurement of the maize, allegations both the minister and the chief executive officer deny any wrong doing.
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Musoyeni Janet Banda, mkazi wokongola kwambiri, wachingoni. As all Ngonis, she loves her bottle which is very good. Go to hell haters
Something people in position of public trust don’t really know about is to avoid commenting on sensitive matters. These people in position of trust includes but not limited to the Judiciary staff, the police, the army etc. It doesn’t matter whether you’re commenting in your personal capacity outside work or in your official capacity. If you are Janet Banda and you comment on a sensitive issue that challenges your public trust, and you do it not in your personal capacity as Solicitor General, the comments still comes from the Solicitor General. This everyone should know. Imagine if President Peter Mutharika… Read more »
Why do these committees all want to go to Zambia? The joint parliamentary committee was also talking of going to Zambia when the chairperson, chidanti malunga was interviewed by Brian Banda. It is an investigation about the wasting of government resources and you are choosing a wasteful way of doing your inquiry? Why don’t you just invite the people who need to be questioned, send them a ticket and accommodate them here and save the forex instead of the whole group buying tickets for airplanes, getting allowances, accommodation in hotels in Zambia, transportation while there etc. Just let the witnesses… Read more »
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Kukwiya kumeneko mwina a Chaponda ndi Achibwenzi ake.
Poor lady, how can you advise Government if this is your behaviour? Ndakumvera chisoni zedi
Janet Chikaya Banda …. I know her personally. ……….
Ndiye mukamatiuza za Janet Banda, timangoseka.
the woman is rude, where is she from? I guess she is from Lomwe belt and she has backing from citizen number 1. where does she get power to utter such nosense? If chaponda is clean let him clear out his name alone through following all the procedures.
we are just waiting for your report on 31/01/2017 as stated.
Countrymen, Let me put it on record that while it is true that Dr. Janet Banda recused herself from the meeting and expressed displeasure at the issues that the CSO representatives pointed out on her alleged conduct in the media to the Presidential Commission on Zambia Maize Procurement by the CSO delegation, it is, however, an unfair exaggeration that she “banged tables and used vile words.” This is a deliberate distortion of facts. I wish the journalist responsible had red the report and cross-checked the information with those who were part of the delegation. Those seeking clarification on the matter… Read more »
Nice to hear from you again, Kent Y.G. Mphepo. People perpetrating lies or untruths should be called out, alright. Especially those in privileged positions, like reporters and journalists. Hear, hear! (if I may say so) Even when we disagree with you sometimes, always respectfully, we enjoy your presentations. No kidding. Respecting the individual is a good principle to follow in treating others; regardless of position. And irrespective of gender, race, age and what have you. That Committee needs to come down from its pedestal: Committee members should remember that they are NOT exhibiting personal powers, but rather ONLY official powers.… Read more »