“No coward can be the friend of the truth! Cowards have always been the friends of lies!” – Mehmet Murat ildan.
The above quote suggests that cowards are not friends of the truth and instead hide behind lies and deceit. This rings very true to a theatrical move that the founder and director of Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), Sylvester Namiwa has made through his abrupt resignation as member of the Commission of Inquiry that has been instituted to inquire into the military plane accident that occurred on 10 June this year, claiming the lives of the former Vice President Saulosi Chilima and eight others.
Namiwa’s resignation letter, addressed to His Excellency Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who appointed him into the Commission outlines concerns centered on disillusionment over the commission’s agreed procedure of operation. He claims in his resignation that the Commission is contradicting principles of accountability and the expectations of the bereaved families seeking clarity regarding the accident.
However, insiders of CDEDI have revealed a much different narrative surrounding Namiwa’s resignation. His close friend who works with him at CDEDI has disclosed that Namiwa confided in her that he felt disrespected when the Commission asked him to provide testimony regarding previous claims he made about the accident before joining the commission. Namiwa had previously circulated allegations of foul play, claiming he possessed inside information about the plane crash—a stance that seemed to clash with the responsibilities of his role as a commissioner.
His initial enthusiasm about joining the commission quickly faded when he was required to account for these bold assertions. This moment of accountability appears to have been a turning point for Namiwa, leading to his abrupt resignation. Critics argue that his decision to step down raises serious questions about his commitment to the truth and the broader inquiry process.
Political analysts speculate that Namiwa’s resignation is rooted in self-preservation rather than a genuine commitment to transparency. By exiting the commission, he effectively positions himself to challenge the inevitable findings that may declare the crash an accident caused by natural factors. This preemptive move raises eyebrows and casts doubt on his integrity, with many questioning whether his motivations are truly aligned with public interest.
Policy commentators and political analysts have converged in their thoughts, highlighting that the President’s role in the commission is strictly that of representative of the general public with pausing at the swearing in of the Commissioners who were relayed with the task work in full and uncompromised independence. They argue that Namiwa’s decision to resign contradicts the very principles of integrity he claims to uphold, suggesting that his fear of discrediting his prior claims was the driving force behind his departure.
In a climate rife with speculation, Namiwa’s actions have not only highlighted his questionable character but also underscored the age-long saying that no coward can be the friend of the truth, but allies of lies. Many are left wondering whether Namiwa’s departure has more to do with a desire to evade accountability rather than a genuine pursuit of truth and transparency.
