By Sylvester Chibwana
In a rather bizarre move that many political analysts have characterized as mere sabotage and seeking petty attention, the People’s Transformation Party (Petra) through its leader Kamuzu Chibambo has announced its unconditional and untimely withdrawal from the Tonse Alliance government instead of providing solutions to the current challenges.
Chibambo’s main reason for ending the alliance as per a statement released, is growing corruption evidenced by events surrounding Anti Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma.
Chibambo has also mentioned other reasons such as the looming hunger due to what he calls governance failures, and dubious procurement and haphazard supply of fertilizers under the Affordable Input Program (AIP).
“The truth of the matter is that all the above failures, wrongs and bad decisions amid several others are not only contrary to what we campaigned for in the 2020 Presidential Election but are also increasingly frustrating all genuine efforts to fight this vice and preserve the rule of law.
“In light of this, Petra’s leadership is left with no option but to withdraw with immediate effect it’s membership from the Tonse Alliance, as it hereby does,” reads the statement.
However, many political commentators have described this move as rather mere sabotage due to being left out on recently released cabinet appointments and other opportunities since 2020.
“Chibambo and colleagues are just bitter about cabinet appointments and job opportunities in the current administration. He is not the only one, even from MCP we have bitter people. For instance recently Hon MP Dimba also resigned as Chair of Parliamentary Legal Committee citing similar reasons,” said another political analyst.
“What has Chibambo or PETRA contributed since 2020? Do you believe these people could have resigned if they were appointed Minister or something else?” questioned a Chanco political analyst who has sought for anonymity.
