Namibia is a country of laws. Full stop!

That is the message President Hifikepunye Pohamba is sending to his people when his Minister of Presidential Affairs Albert Kawana so vociferously defends his ownership of land in the Kavango.

Pohamba, said Kawana, got nearly 14ha from Ukwangali chief Sitentu Mpasi in 2008. This, coincidentally, was about the same time as Mpasi asked the Namibian government to force out communal farmers from Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions who he said were taking up land his own subjects needed. Pohamba is originally from Ohangwena and has communal land there too.

Kawana argues that, like any Namibian, Pohamba is entitled to settle anywhere in the country. So says the law.

Throughout Namibia the richest and most powerful of citizens (black and white) have made it a habit of pampering traditional leaders and then acquiring the best and biggest pieces land. These they keep in addition to their commercial farms (often subsidised by taxpayers) as well as their mansions in major towns.

We are astounded! Has President Pohamba dispensed with his conscience and principles by succumbing to greed like some of the rich and powerful and thus systematically enrich themselves, family and friends?

Being wrong or right in terms of laws, which they themselves brought into being anyway, surely can't be the only way to run a country?

What the President has done is wrong and we call for a return to good governance led by conscience and principles.