Buluma resigns
Acting Chief Executive Officer for the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) Helen Buluma has resigned.
In her 4 paged resignation letter seen by Capital FM, Buluma states that her decision to leave the post is due to pressure from the Energy Secretary Alfonso Chikuni and other government officials to bring in new fuel suppliers using what she terms as dubious means.
Buluma further alleges that she has been under pressure to flout normal procurement procedures and use the fuel crisis as an excuse to seal agreements hurriedly.
A few months ago, the Ombudsman Grace Malera directed the NOCMA board nullify Buluma’s employment following findings that her appointment was unprocedural.
When contacted by Capital FM to confirm the development, Chikuni asked for more time.
“I am just hearing from you, can I come back to you, I am in a meeting and I haven’t seen anything yet,” Chikuni said.
Buluma has since indicated that she will vacate her office on Friday 18th November.
“My last working day in Office is the 18th November after which I will proceed on leave,” says Buluma in the letter.
Her resignation also comes amidst growing civil society calls for government to fire her in the wake of a fuel crisis in the country.
However in a twist of events, a letter of termination of employment for Buluma has been written by Board Chairperson Colleen Zamba.
Ironically Zamba’s contract termination letter is dated 15th November, a day after Buluma’s resignation letter (14th November).
The development is raising more questions than answers, as Zamba’s action comes barely two weeks after she and the NOCMA board maintained Buluma in defiance of an Ombudsman order for her firing.
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