Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda has hit back at his critics who have launched a sustained media campaign against him over his dealings with mining companies.
Mr Chikwanda charged that the individual maligning him in the media is positioning himself for the Presidency.
He said he is also shocked that some leaders in the PF are positioning themselves for the Presidency when the position is not vacant.
Mr. Chikwanda was speaking to Journalists in Lusaka this morning before kicking off a tour of selected Lusaka roads under the L 400 road project.
“The same individual attacking me is infact positioning himself for the Presidency and my advice is that people should not position themselves for public positions where there are no vacancies. We should not be working on presumptions on the Lord, he holds the exclusive right to recall anyone of us,” Mr Chikwanda said.
He stressed that some senior leaders in the PF are behaving as if the Republican Presidency will soon be vacant.
Mr. Chikwanda wondered why the individual was vying for the top position when he has failed to blend with the grass root in the PF.
The Finance Minister has stressed that people should not vie for the Presidency through conspiracies as only God can ordain one to the position.
Mr. Chikwanda said he should not be considered be considered as a political threat because he is too old to vie for the Presidency.
Meanwhile , State house has released the following statement to the media
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
PRESIDENT SATA TOASTS MANGANGO VICTORY
LUSAKA, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 – His Excellency, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, says the Patriotic Front (PF) government acknowledges with humility, the resounding acceptance it has received from the people of Mangango following its victory in the just ended parliamentary by – election.
The Head of State said the victory in Mangango reinforces the people’s belief and optimism in the government’s policies and programmes in line with the PF manifesto.
“The people of Western Province have sent a clear message that they are not interested in politics of name-calling, violence and regionalism. We would like to assure the people of Mangango and Zambia in general that this administration will intensify its sustained efforts to take development countrywide and ensure that all growth projects are implemented with immediacy,” President Sata said.
President Sata has also expressed gratitude to the Zambian people for their continued show of confidence in his government following the nationwide local government by-elections in which the ruling Patriotic Front has scooped a sum of 18 out of the 25 ward by-elections.
“Without a doubt, the PF, which is the people’s party, has continued gaining incredible ground in Western, Central and Southern Provinces. The latest victories in areas like Mkushi, Kalabo and Kaoma underscores our party’s growing recognition across the country,” President Sata said.
The Head of State reiterated that government remains steadfast to engaging progressive forces within the opposition in its pursuit to accomplish pro-poor measures that will culminate into fast economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
And so what if they have presidential ambitions? That is a normal part of democracy! Chikwanda those archaic UNIP views of wamuyaya need to be buried. People can challenge the presidency of PF, MMD or UPND if they wish and believe they have something to offer. What you need to do is defend yourself adequately don’t try and throw sand in our eyes with such comments.
This picture reminds me of that book ati “Look behind you”. Wynter is just behind Chikwanda.
But those with presidential ambitions are throwing sand into Chikwanda’s eyes. This is the biggest crack I have seen in pf
@ BeeBee Big Booty, Uncle Chikwanda has made it clear that he is too old to vie for the presidency. So where do you get the wamuyaya accusation from? Also, we know M’membe is using every dirty trick to ensure Kabimba takes over from Mr Sata. That is why the Post will never write anything positive about the people M’membe perceives as threats to his agenda – including HH.
YES-PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRATIONS: TEAM CARTEL KABIMBA are busy trying to get rid of potential presidential candidates. GBM may be out but not really out of PF presidential race. Guys TEAM KABIMBA are on record of having accussed the PF of TERRIBLE TRIBALISM–TT in PF. How will KABIMBA manage to oust the NORTHERN CIRCUIT?, even with the help of the KABIMBA STRATEGIST in the CARTEL–Postnewspaper boss, this will not be ease for the CARTEL. NORTHERN CIRCUIT is well financed. TEAM KABIMBA is facing a dounting task to fight HH and now the NORTHERN CIRCUIT—not an ease task
M’MEMBE IS ON RECORD PRAISING PF FOR THE MAIN DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS IN THE COUNTRY AND WESTERN PROVINCE IN PARTICULAR, HE CHOOSES TO SEPARATE MR CHIKWANDA FROM ALL THESE PROJECTS DESPITE KNOWING THAT ITS THE SAME MAN OVERSEEING ALL THE FINANCES…. NOT LONG AGO M’MEMBE WROTE AN EDITORIAL PRASING CHIKWANDA WITH THE HOPE OF BUYING HIS LOYALTY. MMEMBE MUST REALISE THAT NOT ALL SOULS ARE AS WEAK AS WINTER’S OR MASEBO’S OR CHENDA’S. THE LIKES OF LUBINDA, GBM, CHIKWANDA, KAMBWILI, KAPATA,LUNGU,SAMPA,SOSALA,LITUNGA AND MANY OTHERS ARE ABLE TO STAND ON THEIR OWN.. PROJECT MAGANDE FAILED LAMENTABLY, WE AWAIT THE SEEMINGLY UNLIKELY PROJECT CALLED WYNTER.
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Tell them off sir.I’m still dancing after our victory in Mangango last night.People have now realized that only PF has a proper vision for Zambia.Schools,hospitals and roads being built all over the place.The party’s record speaks for itself.
Under 5 and his minions started building castles in the air, now we have shown them who is the boss.Even 2016 it is the boat. LT what excuse has under 5 given after their humiliation in Mangango ? Please give us that article from that Mapatizya attention seeker.
You really are drunk in Mangango victory.
But Chikwanda is telling off Kabimba, who was in Mangango with thug Judge Ngoma.
Sorry man, you better appoint the new MP Lingweshi as president.
Now HH and his Surrogates are drowned in shame, the Chap overrated himself to high…. hope he is humble enough to pick up pieces.
This is about the Civil War brewing in PF. It is not about Mangango. Stop diverting people from the topic. Kabimba is set to become PF Presidential candidate either very soon or in 2016. We expect Northerners to rebel. Watch this space. “Bane twikatane” is something you will hear amongst the Northerners opposed to the Kabimba clique. PF is dying Mangango or no Mangango.
” People have now realized that only PF has a proper vision for Zambia. ”
That may be right, but part of that proper vision has to be the taxing of the mines.
Nothing we did not know from what Mr Chikwanda is saying. As for the PF victory in Mangango, it is a big message to all and sundry – a harbinger of things to come. PF is here to stay, probably for another 20 years. It is difficulty to see how MMD and UPND will recover from the Mangango loss.
As for you George chellah what is he toasting with…..antibiotics!!
@BeeBee Big Booty, LMAO!
I am not even aware pf has won in Mangango
LMFAO!!! You, Sir/Madam, are funny!!
With this sounding victory for the just ended Mangango by-election, Just wondering if UPND will ever exist after 2016. am seeing a lot of squabbles within UPND to who takes over affairs of the Party after so many embarrassment from HH.
This picture reminds me of that book ati “Look behind you”. Wynter is just behind Chikwanda.
Congratulation PF on your victory. I, however, think Sata’s arrogance will catch up with him. Are you telling me he can’t personally stand in front of a microphone and thank the people of mangongo himself instead of Chella pulling an all nighter to pull that statement out of his a$$?
Anyway Mr Chikwanda has said it best…”we should not be working on presumptions on The Lord, he holds the exclusive right to recall anyone of us”…. He just confirmed what we already know that Sata is in a sick bed waiting for his diapers to be changed.
That’s all!
Congrats PF! .UPND must learn to be humble if they want to be accepted by the general populous. Their culture rebuking the old and poor will not win them votes.
Spill the beans bigman- we hear. We all have been hearing of one man scheming to take over PF but we are not sure who apart from speculations.Now that you have a borne to chew pls expose the Mathias.
As for Mangango..its not a secret that UPND is a thorn in the fresh of PF. Remain focused UPND team..you are on the right path.
But I see no reason for Hon. Chikwanda to bring the presidency in his dealings allegations. He should just be straight to answer his way of doing things.
It is just tricks for him to divert people’s attention to press his resignation. He is double dealing, eating with both hands.
Its good to see that PF can win elections without the help of Sata campaigning, they are also running the country smoothly without the President. Just shows the country doesn’t need a President. Congrats PF
HH and Team find a way of reaching the people with or without elections around. You need to replace some dead wood who think the party is a personal to holder institution. Most officials in the districts and provinces are not doing a good job of marketing the party; they leave everything to HH. You need a vibrant national team that will spread the message like wide fire. We have another battle in other election areas added to it court cases by the Zambian judiciary!
That is a very long winded answer to a simple question. If Mr Chikwanda needs to be reminded, the question was this, “Are you a supplier to the mines?” I believe the only options are “Yes”, or “No”
If I may answer for him, the answer is YES, he has been a supplier to the mines long before Mr Sata persuaded him to join his cabinet. Also, it was not a condition that he servers all links with his businesses. However M’membe is doing what he does best to promote his cartel and discredit those he perceives as threats to his agenda. Since when did you see anything negative in the Post about Kabimba?
@ Mutale Chikwanda, your mudala wants to pay the Mines $600 million in VAT returns.How much does he collect from the Mines (not from Mine employees) in terms of tax.He is claiming that it is law,why does he want to pay without the necesary papers which is also law.Has your Mudala’s business with the mine increased from the time he became a minister?By what % is the increase.YOUR UNCLE MIGHT END UP IN JAIL.
@ Kalu you can and pick choose what you want to believe. It is also your prerogative. All I will say is dream on mate.
It is game on.. Chikwanda Vs Kabimba. I will tell you who wins…it is Chikwanda. Chikwnda can win in many ways; prevent Winter from becoming presido is one way. Even if Chikwanda does not became presido himself.. The PF and National Presido is for Winter to loss. Chikwanda has the capacity to play a show-stopper or simply spoiler. Tufilile munsenga philosophy.
It is shameful that Mr. Chikwanda is trying to hide in PF’s political thicket in broad day light. Why is he failing to own-up to his corrupt practices and abuse of authority. The law knows no sacred cows. The list of those who have been prosecuted for corruption in Zambia is long, including former presidents. Let him face his own dragons without reprieve.
Judging from the comments above the question is, is it true that Chikwanda is profiting from the mines using his office, Yes or No. if its no then Chikwanda has nothing to fear. if its true then he cannot start attacking other people no.
We are nearer to 2016 and so let people market themselves. its normal in any society to aspire, but not to start labeling others when you no its for political expiendent .
Poor Chikwanda I think He is guilty by his outburst.
So Winta’s campaign machinery is closing in on the tribalists in PF?