FORMER President Frederick Chiluba has paid tribute to President Banda for honouring national leaders who die in service or after retirement.
And Mr Banda yesterday led mourners at the funeral service of the late freedom fighter and diplomat Axson Chalikulima held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.
Dr Chiluba said in his tribute that political leaders should stand united during times of sorrow despite their differences as all are Zambians.
He said the attitude exhibited by President Banda was an indicator of one who respects fellow leaders.
Dr Chiluba said the respect that Mr Banda is according both present and past civil servants during their funerals deserves recognition.
The former President said he is not campaigning because if Government is good to its people, they must reciprocate.
“If Government is doing good, do the same to it,” he said.
Dr Chiluba said despite his busy schedule, President Banda had found time to attend the church service apart from visiting the funeral house on Monday.
And Dr Chiluba said he personally went to United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema’s house to offer his condolences during the opposition leader’s mother-in-law’s funeral.
“We did not carry cameras when going to offer condolences because it is not for show,” he said.
Dr Chiluba said Mr Chalikulima was always ready to offer advice to politicians.
He said Mr Chalikulima would warn a head of State not to worry about those who were always insulting them, but instead concentrate on bettering the lives of the people.
Dr Chiluba described Mr Chalikulima as a patriot who gave his advice whenever he saw trouble.
He also thanked the defence forces for their dedication to carrying out State duties, which was a sign that Government is ready for eventualities.
And Apostle Haelian Rupasingh said the President deserves to be honoured for the peace the nation has continued to enjoy.
“The peace in this country should actually flow to the rest of Africa, north, south, east and the west,” he said.
Apostle Rupasingh said Zambia is a blessed country and that the peace it enjoys should be nurtured.
And giving the hero’s life history, Chapa Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima’s vision was for Zambia to be united from family to national level.
He said Mr Chalikulima had strived to see the country prosper economically.
Mr Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima, who was a consultant to many politicians, avoided siding with a particular political party.
Mr Chalikulima was the first political assistant to President Kenneth Kaunda in 1966 and 1967.
He was later appointed first Zambian commandant in the Zambia National Service.
In 1969, he was appointed ambassador to the Congo-Brazzaville and four years later, he was appointed Cabinet minister until 1975.
From 1975 to 1983, Mr Chalikulima served as high commissioner to India.
He was later posted to Japan where he served until 1987.
From 1987 to 1992, he served as ambassador to Angola before he retired in April 1992.
Mr Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima was the longest serving diplomat who also served as dean of ambassadors and high commissioners.
Mr Chalikulima died on April 17 in Victoria Hospital in Lusaka.
Those in attendance included Heritage Party president Godfrey Miyanda, All People’s Congress Party leader Kenny Ngondo, National Democratic Focus president Ben Mwila and National Restoration Party interim president Elias Chipimo Jr.
Others in attendance were Cabinet and deputy ministers.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
Chi luba just keep yapping, you will be finished soon
Yes true, RB has ‘cared’ for Chiluba so much at the expense of other millions of zambians. And who is this ‘apostle’ to tell us that the absence of war (negative peace) in zambia is due to RB’s efforts?
Hey fellow Zambians,
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They are also hosting former PF Kasama MP Dr. Saviour Chishimba, PhD
But if I was given an opportunity to eliminate kaupi, I would do it quick and fast.
I meant Kafupi, Kafupi’s time’s time is comindg soon for the injustice the little guy did to the Zambian people. Icant blame RB too much, for he just found himself in this mess after the demise o our beloved LPM (MHSRIP).
no need for that Bin Adam, Kafupi should just keep quiet, he has been lucky
Bin adam lmao,for sure no need for that. take joy in the fact that things are turning round with RB, just watch and see where we will be by next year. RB is far much better than any one who comes from kafupi regime,any one from that regime should never see plot one,especialy those who worked closely to kafupi,like his biggest third term supporter.
6 and 7 point taken. But the fact remains that Kaupi is a hypocrite and NOT a christian as he claims to be. The little guy deserves to be in hell now.
My former President; I have great respect and millions of thanx for what you did during your two terms of office, you did a lot of good things that other people are enjoying now, you deserve a Credit for that; but Please do not give an unconditional support to RB, the guy is not doing well so to speak, apart from traveling outside the country. For this one, we will remember him, as a master of ” Pa ulendo ” and ” Abaleya ” FTJ Take it cool, you need to rest and relax to cure the pains you endured some couple of years back. You are still a master and a Political Engineer for life.**==
Condolences to the Chalikulima family, I know how it feels to lose a parent, especially the only remaining one. May the Soul of the Departed Son of Afrca Rest In Eternal Peace.
You have leftout some important imformation about ba Chalikulima these are: how old was he, how many children has he left, how many grandchildren has he left, how about his wife!. atleast these will good for people to remember him with
Any pics on Chalikulima’s funeral ba LT? Some of us were mates with his kids, but are unable to attend. Condolences from across the miles to ba Mable Ngo, Aunty Judy, Elizabeth, Nsofwa, Chitalu, Kasapo and the rest of the family. God bless y’all! 🙁
The big question is, WHY HAS MMD FAILED TO IMPLEMENT THE DECENTRALISATION POLICY??
Those close to MMD know that their fear is that Councils will perfome better, especially the City and Municipal Councils which are under the opposition, and that would be a threat to the survival of MMD. This is the perception of those in MMD, its sad to have such shallow minded leaders that can hold back the development of the nation for their own benefit at the expense of the masses.
Finally, are the MMD controlled Councils doing better than those under the opposition?
Can MMD tell us why Councils they control e.g. Kaoma in Western Province, Milenge in Luapula and Isoka have had misappropriation cases (not misapplication)??