President Lazarus Chakwera has called for unity to develop the country and reiterated that his government will work hard to fulfil the campaign promises.

He made the remarks yesterday at Ngabu in Chikwawa District during the celebration of the life of Sidik Mohammad Mia who died of Covid-19 last year in January.

Chakwera and the First Lady Monica cheer Mia’s widow, Abida

“Let us be united regardless of our political or religious affiliations so that we develop the country,” said Chakwera.

On the death of Mia, who at the time was Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vice-president, he said the deceased left a huge impact both at party and national level.

Said Chakwera: “My relationship with the Mia preceded everything. Regardless of everything the late Mia and I decided to join forces to serve Malawians so that we end the ills that Malawians were going through at that time.

“The late Mia believed in my dream and I was heartbroken when he passed on. For he died at a time when it was even difficult to bury our loved ones due to the nature of the burials that had to be carried out.”

However, the President said he was grateful that Mia’s family continues to carry out the charity works that the deceased used to implement when he was alive.

In his remarks, Chikwawa South legislator Elias Karim (MCP), who represented Mia’s family, said they were grateful that the President was part of the ceremony, celebrating Mia’s life.

“It is so easy to forget people once they depart from us. As such as a family we are so grateful that you decided to celebrate with us the life of our pillar,” he said.

Karim also thanked Chakwera for visiting people affected by floods in the district.

The celebrations started with prayers led by Sheikh Naisan Yusuf at the Mia’s residence in Chikwawa followed by distribution of relief items to 4000 households.

Earlier in the day Chakwera visited people affected by floods at Bereu Primary School, Chikuse Camp and Jombo Primary School in the district.

Heavy rains in Chikwawa affected 2 658 households.

Mia served as MCP vice-president from 2018 until his death in 2021.

He was also minister of Transport and Public Works in Chakwera’s Cabinet. On Saturday, the President attended the commemoration of John Chilembwe Day at Providence Industrial Mission in Chiradzulu District.

The post Chakwera calls for unity appeared first on The Nation Online.