Governance and economic expert, Humphrey Mvula, says the fight against corruption is failing to gain momentum due to lack of sound leadership at the graft-busting body, Anti Corruption Bureau.
Speaking during a Times TV panel discussion program, Hot Current, Mvula singled out Anti Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma as a stumbling block to the smooth fight against corruption.
Mvula was answering a question on whether Malawi has made any progress in the fight since the National Anti Corruption Conference held on July 26 this year.
During the conference President Lazarus Chakwera ordered a 20-week campaign running to December in which all stakeholders must do something within their jurisdiction to preach about the ills of the vice and discourage people from getting involved.
Six weeks into what was supposed to be a national campaign, Chizuma has failed to galvanize her team to drive the activity plan of the campaign.
“The battle on corruption rests within the Anti Corruption Bureau as such we expect her to take leading role. Unfortunately, it seems we were not ready for the campaign. There is no activity plan from the ACB despite the President showing political will through moral and financial support.’
At the conference Chizuma spoke with vigour, a situation that offered false hoped to the audience in the room and Malawians at large.
“Martha (Chizuma) spoke too loud at the conference and convinced most of us that she was the real fighter. However, she has failed to match her energy with deeds,” Mvula aired his concern.
The other panelist, Kent Mphepo, also cast serious doubts on whether the ACB is making enough progress under Chizuma.
Calls for Chizuma to leave the bureau started emerging early this year when she was caught in a leaked phone conversation divulging sensitive information to a common person against the Corrupt Practices (Oath of Secrecy) Regulations.
Overtime, she has openly defied professional advice from the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution on a number of high profile court cases.