Mbulakulima urges Lambas to dialogue over Shibuchinga matter

Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has advised the Lamba people in Chief Shibuchinga’s area in Lufwanyama district to embrace dialogue in the selection of of heir to the throne.

Mr. Mbulakulima’s advise follows the revocation of appointment of Godfrey Shamanena
as Chief Shibuchinga due to persistent wrangles due to his appointment has rocked
the ara.

President Levy Mwanawasa revoked  the appointment of Mr Shamanena as Chief
Shibuchinga, to pave way for the fresh selection of the heir, in an effort to end
the wrangles in the area.

Mr Mbulakulima said Government had observed that there was no peace between members
of the Royal  family and some villagers in Lufwanyama since Mr Shamanena was
appointed chief, a move which derailed development in the area.

Mr Mbulukaulima was speaking when he addressed members of the Shibuchinga Royal
family at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lufwanyama yesterday.

Mr. Mbulakulima, who was accompanied by Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Jennifer
Musonda, said there was need for members of the Royal establishment in the area to
use peaceful means of resolving the problem even without seeking  judicial review
over the matter.

He said government had given the family time to resolve the Chiefdom wrangle by
allowing them to hold fresh elections under the guidance of the House of Chiefs,
Provincial Local Government Office and members of the royal establishment.

He said eligible people should take advantage of the elections to choose a prefered
candidate for chief without resorting to viuolence.

And speaking at the same function Chairman of the Shibuchinga Royal Family, John
Malekani, commended government for revoking the appointment of the Chief as it would
give them an opportunity to start afresh.

Mr Malekani said the royal family had agreed that elections would be held on July 15
this year.

He said Government, members of the House of Chiefs  and residents  where invited to
come and observe  the elections which would pave way for progress in terms of
development in the area which had been lagging for a long time now.

ZANIS