Opposition parties Support appointment of Yolamu as IG

…..Expects her to be impartial

Opposition Periamentarians from the former rulling parties, Democratic Progressive Party and United Democratic Front have supported the appointment of Merlene Yolamu as the new Inspector General of Police replacing the sacked George Kainja.

Chakwera named Yolamu as the new Inspector General of Police fortnight ago and the announcement was made through a statement signed by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Collen Zimba as the President of the Republic Dr Lazarus Chakwera was exercising his powers conferred by the Section 154(2) of the Constitution of Malawi.

However, the appointment was subject to approval of the Malawi National Assembly.

On Friday, August 5, the Parliament approved the appointment after she (Yolamu) appeared before the Public Appointment Committee of Parliament where 99% of the present members of the Committee trusted her to fill the void.

The Public Appointment Committee on Friday, presented a report in the National Assembly on its findings before moving a motion for lawmakers to vote for Yolamu.

The Committee Chairperson, Joyce Chitsulo said the approval showed that the house has confidence in the Committee.

Chitsulo has, however, said he expects the new Inspector General to fulfill the promises that she made when she appeared before the Committee.

Reacting to the appointment, The two opposition Parliamentarians, Democratic Progressive Party through lawmaker for Zomba Chisi, Mark Botomani and UDF through Mangochi South legislator Lilian Patel have supported the appointment of Merlyne Yolamu as Inspector general of Malawi police Service.

Speaking in parliament on behalf of his party, Botomani has however urged IG designate to rise above politics and be impartial.

Botoman said, “We had no reason to reject her as the new Inspector General. Madam Yolamu has risen through the ranks of the Malawi Police Service and she rose all the way to the rank of acting Inspector General and most part of her profession she served as the Democratic Progressive Party administration. So as a party, we believe in women empowerment.”

Taking his turn, UDF’s Lillian Patel echoed Botoman’s sentiment saying as the party, they throw their weight behind Yolamu.

Minister of Homeland Security Jean Sendeza was happy with the Parliament’s approval of Yotamu’s appointment.
“Her confirmation is a great milestone to us as women and this just corresponds well with the President’s commitment towards empowering women in the country,” said Sendeza.

Following the approval, Yolamu has become the first female Inspector General for Malawi Police to be approved by the house. The only woman to be appointed for the post was late Mary Nangwale who was later failed to be approved by the house.

Yolamu holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from the Bilberck University in the UK. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts with credit from the University of Malawi.

Before her appointment as IG, Yolamyu has served in several senior management positions within the Malawi Police Service.

Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu joins a cadre of women serving the country in key positions including the Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Martha Chizuma, the Ombudsman, Grace Malera, Director General of Financial Intelligence Authority Malawi, Jean Priminta and Secretary to the President and Cabinet Collen Zamba.