Former Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu has described the criticism surrounding president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment of her retired relative, Chris Nghaamwa, as adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka as “nonsense”.
Nandi-Ndaitwah last week appointed Nghaamwa (62) to the position without announcing it publicly.
Speaking yesterday, Shalyefu said there was nothing wrong with appointing a qualified individual, regardless of family ties to the president.
“I continue saying this is nonsense.
Who said if you are related to the president and you are a qualified professional for the job, you should not be appointed?” he asked.
Shalyefu, who is also a senior pastor in the Anglican church, said critics were focusing on insignificant issues instead of acknowledging the president’s achievements since taking office.
“There are numerous things the president has achieved since she took office, but her enemies focus on petty issues,” he said.
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani on Sunday criticised the appointment, saying the president was taking “awkward” steps undermining confidence in governance.
