BLANTYRE – Malawi President, Lazarus Chakwera, has dismissed his Special Advisor on Special Duties, Martin Thom, following allegations of his involvement in irregular submission of a loan authorisation bill to parliament without approval of cabinet.
President Chakwera announced the firing of his advisor through a statement issued by Presidential director of communications, Sean Tsanzo Kampondeni, dated 3rd August 2021.
“His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has terminated the services of his Special Advisor on Special Duties, Mr. Martin Thom, with immediate effect.
“The decision was made earlier today once the President established Mr. Thom’s unsanctioned role in the irregular submission of a loan authorisation bill to Parliament,” said the statement.
Thom becomes the third high official after former Attorney General, Chikosa Silungwe and then Labour minister Ken Kandodo to be relieved of his duties by Chakwera.
President Chakwera has come under fire from critics for nepotism following recent appointments of his daughter and son-in-law in influential positions. His recent trip to Britain for an ‘alleged virtual’ meeting has not helped matters either.
