Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola has come under heavy criticisms for calling Malawians who are asking President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to reduce his local and International trips as ‘Achule’ (Frogs).

Matola made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of Golomoti Solar Power Plant in Dedza installed by JCM Power.

In his speech Matola said: “Bwana musamvele achule omwe akuti musiye kuyenda.”

Matola’s utterance has attracted mixed reactions with many describing him as the giant frog (Chule).

Commenting on the same Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has demanded an apology from Matola.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa argued that it is wrong for the Tonse administration to start undermining those who put them in power.

On his part, Center for Mindset Change (CMC) has also demanded an apology from Matolo and also asked president Chakwera to discipline Matola.

CMC Executive Director Philip Kamangira has described the remarks as naturally demeaning to humanity; politically unacceptable, morally illogical and not worthy coming from a Cabinet Minister who is a beneficiary of taxes.

In March 2020, former president Dr. Joyce Banda condemned Matola for insulting former Malawi Electoral Commission-MEC Chairperson Dr. Jane Ansah when she told her during a National Elections Consultative Forum in Blantyre that she should leave the Commission and that they were ready to help her pack her “bras’ and panties”.