Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has said it is surprising Lusaka Catholic Diocese Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu who boycotted the Constitution-making process is now issuing statements that are misleading the people.
Lieutenan-General Shikapwasha wondered why Archbishop Mpundu was interested in the process now when he had boycotted the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) despite being invited to participate.
He said in Lusaka yesterday that it was clear that many Zambians would not accept to be misled by Archbishop Mpundu because they followed the road map and participated in the process through their representatives and an opportunity was provided for them to make comments.
Gen Shikapwasha, who is Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said he was happy that many Zambians who were members of the Catholic Church had participated in the process.
“On our part, we will continue because we know that it is just the leadership that boycotted the Constitution-making process. Many Catholics participated including the Vice-President George Kunda,” Gen Shikapwasha said.
Gen Shikapwasha advised Archbishop Mpundu to make efforts to consult Government before issuing statements and promote dialogue instead of misleading himself.
He said the Ministry of Justice was in the process of compiling clauses in the Draft Constitution that were referred to the national referendum.
He said the Government drew up a roadmap to guide the enactment of the Constitution and which all stakeholders received.
Gen Shikapwasha said those who accepted to sit in the NCC received the roadmap and were aware that every step had been followed strictly including the receiving of the report from the NCC chairperson Chifumu Banda in August.
He said the Ministry of Finance and National Planning would advise whether Zambia was ready to hold the referendum within the year 2011 when the presidential and general would be held.
Gen Shikapwasha said the referendum would be conducted by ECZ which was mandated to conduct national elections on behalf of the Zambian people.
He said the Government would continue to roll out the Constitution-making process and follow the roadmap, which was already public.
[Times of Zambia ]
LT, please give us a break. On a daily basis, you cant take us to RB then Shikapwasha passed over to Dora then back to RB. This is rubbish. Are these miniors your only news makers in Zambia? Please do your propaganda with dignity not like other who, who, who, who, who!
General Shikapwasha, tekumwenzo mukombe
The only thing he knows best is to castigate people and be on the defensive
Government elected by the people: We are going to cook nshima for the people.
Archbishop appointed by a foreign Pope: I am not going to take part because you haven’t consulted the people whom I represent.
Government elected by the people: It is the people who chose us to cook nshima for them.
Archbishop appointed by a foreign Pope: I don’t care.
The nshima is cooked.
Archbishop appointed by a foreign Pope: Hey, you people, when are you going to serve the nshima? The people want to eat!
Government elected by the people: Shuddap! It is none of your business!
Archbishop appointed by a foreign Pope: NDWIIIII
Ba Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha, please dont waste your valuable time commenting on that homosexual loser called mpundu. Concentrate on meaningful talks. Thank you
I see
The Saint
I like it!!!!Double standards at its worst.
alot of drama pa zed..
This Reverend is a FOOL!!!!!!! Grow up Ronnie and get some brains in your thick skull!
The govt spokesperson has wasted his breath …..because he has failed to clarify the position and answer querries by Mpundu.To me,this should have been the best opportunity to stop Mpundu from misleading the people (as in the first paragraph of the story) and himself (as in later paragraphs).To say the MFNP will advise is like a budget holder saying the financial officer….more like a father who says his first born son will advise on the availability of school fees for the rest of the year….surely govt ought to know if and when the referendum would be held!!!!!Can those of you with roadmaps please tell us where we are in the timeline regarding the referendum and this NCC(if,when and how) or should we ask Chileshe Kandeta (MFNP)and Chris Akufuna at ECZ to clarify the matter on behalf…
Ba Ronnie, what kind of a Reverand are you who lies everyday? For sure you are Political Zombi just like Mpombo said.
Rev. Shikapwasha attacking Archbishop Mpundu. God, heaven will be a nice place when these two meet. For sure one of them might not be accepted in considering that heaven will have no room for opposition or hate mongers like “Rev” Shikapwasha. It will be nice to meet Reverends like Shikapwasha in hell. People will be asking him what happened Rev? Aren’t you in a wrong place?