‘Don’t Push me to the media’ Mutharika tells Malawians

Malawi President Peter Mutharika maintains he does not want to be dragged to the press to address the controversy surrounding his trip to United Nation (UN) meeting.

The development comes amid calls from different stakeholders for the government to clear reports on the number of delegates that Malawi had at the meeting.

The media has been verifying that Mutharika took along with him 115 delegates when only 6 were invited.

In demand, the stakeholders called for a clear explanation from the government through the president to address the media on the matter.

However Mutharika through his state press officer Gerard Viola said the President does not want to be pushed to media.

“The President does not wish to be pushed by Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) or any person to address the media. A press briefing will be there whether in Lilongwe or Blantyre and a chance will be given to ask questions” said Viola.

Viola further trashed calls from CSO’s that Mutharika needs to refund the money that he used for the trip to UN meeting.

“Does the CSO’s not know hat there is UN general meeting each year?.To whom should the President refund? questioned Viola.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA ) Malawi chapter chairperson Thom Khonje has described the development as worrisome following a promise by Mutharika to address the media before it is too late.