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Acting President Chikwanda addresses a number issues including opposition, judges and DBZ at media briefing

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Alexander Chikwanda
Alexander Chikwanda

ACTING-PRESIDENT Alexander Chikwanda says those who want to supplant the Patriotic Front (PF) as a ruling party should not engender divisions to erode peace and meaningful unity, which are crucial tools to accomplish Zambia’s development agenda.

Mr Chikwanda says 2016 (when the general elections are due) is a long haul and aspirants for the mandate from the electorate to rule Zambia “are advised to use their ammunition sparingly.” He said this in Lusaka yesterday during a media briefing on some issues of national importance.

Mr Chikwanda said Government will also abide by the Supreme Court ruling in the matter in which it has appealed against the High Court decision to stay the suspension of a Supreme Court judge and two high court judges and to appoint a tribunal to stay their alleged misconduct.

The three judges have challenged President Sata’s decision to suspend them from office and constitute a tribunal to investigate them. The trio are Supreme Court judge Phillip Musonda and High Court judges Nigel Mutuna and Charles Kajimanga.

Mr Chikwanda said the Judiciary has an advantage “in the undesirable war of attrition because they have an enviable role of being a player and referee.” He said the President cannot dismiss the judges under the provisions of the current constitution.

Mr Chikwanda, however, said the President’s latitude to appoint a tribunal is “beyond dispute.”

He said Government will not take any “precipitate measures” in the matter and appealed to members of the public and civil society organisations to be patient on the matter.

“The people of Zambia are being dared to sit in moral judgment of the executive and the judiciary because what is happening is far beyond legality. It is a moral issue, for no government can stand with sustainability without distinct moral bench marks. This is at the core of the very essence of any government premised on democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

On the recent demonstration by opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) youths which resulted in a confrontation with the police, Mr Chikwanda said this was a result of people intent on confrontation “tempting the police to react.”

He, however, said those wishing to demonstrate are free but must do so within the confines of the law.

“While we urge the law enforcement agencies to act with greater restraint, we also enjoin those who want to exercise their constitutional rights and freedom to assemble and demonstrate to do so with responsibility and within the confines of the law. They should avoid confrontational stances,” Mr Chikwanda said.

He said opposition parties must not be synonymous with violence and intolerance.

Mr Chikwanda said there is currently no conflict on the imperatives of national unity and urged all interest groups to observe the law.

“We appeal to all well- meaning Zambians to embrace peace and harmony and isolate the promoters of dissent and intolerance from the mainstream Zambians who are apostles of love, compassion and togetherness,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chikwanda has clarified that Government currently owns about 90 percent stake in the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) because the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and Exim Bank of India have not increased their shares proportionately to Government’s equity contribution. He said this has increased Government’s shareholding, leading to “over-swamping” of other equity partners.

Mr Chikwanda, who is Minister of Finance, said Government’s shareholding in DBZ is in accordance with the provisions of Section Three of Minister of Finance Incorporation Act Cap 349 of the Laws of Zambia in conjunction with Section Seven.

“It is in this context and public interest that the Minister of Finance as shareholder directed the DBZ to ask their lawyer to pend (hold) the action before the court, not to withdraw but seek the Attorney General’s option because the matter before the court had acquired overtones which were contentious,” he said.

Mr Chikwanda said it is Government’s practice to seek guidance of the Attorney General’s opinion on matters without certainty.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

95 COMMENTS

    • HOPE HE GETS THE BOOT FOR HOLDING A PRESS BRIEFING WHEN UKWA IS A TOURISM CALLING ZAMBIANS REFUGEES IN THE EU

    • awe sure . . . .”The most worrying sign that Sata’s government is incapable of competent economic management is the wide-ranging trend of nepotism across most key positions. Sata appointed his uncle, Alexander Chikwanda, as Minister of Finance. He has appointed his nephew, Miles Sampa, as Deputy Minister of Finance. As Secretary to the Treasury, the third position in the hierarchy of the Ministry of Finance, Sata has installed a Brother In Law, Fredson Yamba. He appointed Robert Sichinga as Minister of Commerce, whose son is married to his daughter. He also appointed another nephew, Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba, as Minister of Defense. Further, in a country of so many regions, more than 50% of his cabinet originates from his region.”

    • Cry all you want, but the president is within his rights to appoint a team of people who he thinks will run with his agenda.

      Stop whinging like a little girl and instead fight to change the system because which ever president you elect, they will appoint those close to them. CHANGE THE SYSTEM is all I am saying

  2. Oh, this man should have been president. so calm and composed. on a different note, pass a constitution that will be explicit on many issues i.e, gender equality, no tipping of fingers in national pot for personal campaigning, trim presidential powers so he can know that the law can visit him. we cant have a law that says president weather acting in his private capacity or national capacity cannot be sued. In his official capacity or private capacity, let him/her do the right thing and he/she will not face the law ala. introduce 50+1 clause as the MMD just showed that in Zambia it can be done without shedding blood. running mate bamumbwe imwe ala! we want clean water and more hospitals not dreams about 10 stadia.

  3. Mr Chikwanda, you are a mature leader. Please talk to the public service not to spoil things for government as they have done before.

  4. Why is he not the republican president? If he was, there would be no all this hogwash of Bembas being thieves, tribalists or being boffons, stereotypes Sata is doing everything to consolidate everyday. I have always had a lot of respect for Alexander and reading this, one would understand why. Sad though that he is not the Republican president and by creation how a noble wise man like him could hail from the same part of the country as the likes of Kambwili and Sata vexes me deeply. Anyway, there were also noble ones from the north like Mwanakatwe (MHSRIP). Maybe it shows no sector of our society has a monopoly over wisdom or stupidity, something Pamberi-e-Ukwa is as yet to grasp!

  7. It’s an evil thought but it is times like these one harbour evil thoughts that someone collapses and kaputs so that a wise man like the above can take over to save us all from the daily diet of embarrassments we are being fed on all the time, at home and especially abroad.

  11. uuli na matwi omfwe. Good words of wisdom from Mr. Chikwanda. You will never win by being confrontational. Ukupoke cinsenda kunkoko kunakilila. If the under 5 thinks he will win by being Chicky he is cheating himself. I pit him being surrounded by the likes of Mumbis and Lifwekelos. You missed the services of old states men like Mr. Chisanga whom you chased from your party on tribal grounds. Where is Mwanajiti the architect of Tonga president? He must be your adviser on political issues. You jata Ng’ombes.

  12. Hahahaha pend what?  A ruling is already made. Just get pur K14bn back. Why protect criminals? tHE FACT THAT GOVT OWNS 90% DOES NOT MEAN WE DO NOT NEED THE ZK14bn!

  15. There you have it all, outpouring of wisdom and providing leadership on contentious national issues. The country is perpetually in capable hands with no leadership voids and disquietudes even when HEMCS is out of the country on international engagements.
    Keep delivering and make Zambia better than you found it.

  16. Wow, what a refreshing difference his man makes. Here is a man who can bring out the best in others. Here is a man who can command respect as head of state, even from opposition and bring out the best in them too.

  17. Got that folks? 

    He said the President cannot dismiss the judges under the provisions of the current constitution.

    • I am sure he has tried but is sata a man who listens? and where is he anyway he left last week just staying in the UK has he moved there?

  20. Wise words but this line (Mr Chikwanda said this was a result of people intent on confrontation “tempting the police to react.”) in response to the UPND demonstration, shows that he is not neutral. UPND notified the Police as required by law and the youths had no weapons neither did they attack the Police but it was the later that attacked people that they should have protected. PF don’t lose the massive support we gave you by being intolerant. Im however, praising you for the wise manner in which you allowed the BRE hold its National Council meeting

    • Y would you expect our minister to take a neutral stance when tonga tribal party is being silly

  27. UKWA shud give power to Chikwanda bcoz he sober old man not UKWA who whenever he opens his mouth is full of boasting and emptiness. UKWA has no direction in his head but he does not want to be advised by pipo like CHIKWANDA he is too drunk with power which he dont even know how to apply himself

  28. Words full of wisdom! This is the man who should be president and not the stupid Ukwa! He is as wise as RB and I think God should just save us from Ukwa and replace him with this man. He has the capacity to unite the country! I hope ukwa wont fire him on advise from the theif M’membe!

  31. Thumb up to you Honourable Chikwanda for redirecting the nation! Such wisdom is vital and a neccesity in good governance! God bless you in all your ways, whenever you speak only wisdom comes out!!!

  32. The calm and courtesy of a statesman, sober and polite language that should make a big difference in our political arena. I believe both Sata and HH have something to learn from this man – non confrontational language and speech that seeks solutions to problems and not adding trouble to existing problems. I honestly wish we could have a president as calm, polite and level-headed as him. Well done Chikwanda, we wish you all the best. Who knows what the future holds? You may be the man to rescue the PF from its pit of misfortune.

  34. The statement was sober but it also shows that government was actually attempting to shield the crooks owing DBZ from being exposed. Again on the UPND demos, the youths notified the police in very good time as is required but still ended up being assaulted, even when they were not confrontational. These two aspects still show that Chikwanda is not being sincere as a statesman. He should have told the truth and condemned the police for being brutal and assaulting innocent citizens who they are supposed to protect.

  35. When is Ukwa coming back and what exactly is he still doing in the UK? As far as I know the jubilee celebrations are long and gone and he is the one who was telling Zambians in the UK not to be economic refugees and return home just last week.

  36. Most of ur statement makes a lot of sense, I m even afraid u will take my job lol But the part “Mr Chikwanda said the Judiciary has an advantage “in the undesirable war of attrition because they have an enviable role of being a player and referee.” you are wrong on that one. A judge or any member of the judiciary for that matter is, first of a citizen. He/she is bound the constitution. When brought b4 the court, he/she is treated like anybody else. It is not automatic that he will b favoured by a fellow judge.
    Mmembe and ur friend Nchito r trying to bring this argument bcoz they have been caught pants down 

  38. What is being silly? What is a tribal party to you? Im one of those that put their lives & survival means on the line to remove MMD out of power and usher in PF b’coz the intolerance of MMD and brutality of the police under MMD. I don’t want PF to lose popularity on matters that we can ignore like the small demonstration which UPND organised

  41. Wait until the legendary arrival of King Cobra to spoil everything. You pipo are puting Chikwanda in danger with the accolades you are pouring on him. Ukwa does like that and may just spit.

  42. Half truths. What is confrontational about peaceful demonstration? He is missing the point. PF is not a government at all, it is a collection of aimless people seeking to steal as much as they can. How about his company renovating state house? Is that law and order? I find this whole thing to be no good.

  43. Do you know what the devil did? Instead of giving us Chikwanda as Republican President, he gave us UKWA!!??!!??!!??!!

  45. Only fools can praise Chikwanda for swavy way he was speaking.You should have heard him and not rely on what is edited in the newspaper. This man says Govt will accept what the courts will say, aahh what idiocy is this? Is there any other after supreme court.See how he is demeaning the judiciary and also protecting the police.You Zambians are indeed dull chaps who cant descen sense.About DBZ he is panickning for instructing them to withdraw the case from the court without proper legal grounds and some naive people here are applauding him.There is nobody sensible in PF Govt.

  46. Acting presidos words got clearance from The Man Himself its praise the Head not the messanger the president rules even if is out of the country.

  47. IF ONLY UKWA COULD TAP INTO THIS MAN’S WISDOM !!!

    BUT, ALAS, UKWA: CHUMBU MUNSHOLOLWA !!!
    U CAN’T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS !

    COME 2016 ! 50% + 1 VOTE, UKWA OUT !

  48. Press briefings by acting Heads of State are dangerous (especially when the praise starts to flow in an unexpected direction :d :d )…..#just saying#

  49. Wise words from ABC. But he missed it on three points: He should have been categorical on the police brutality. He should have condemned the police in their use of force on hapless and unarmed UPND youths. Brutality is brutality besides the police were not provoked. The police like the three Govt dailies (The Boast, Daily mail & Times) have become so biased in their duties towards the PF Govt. Ms Katanga should be put in the line. He is also saying that our Judges are not professional in that they will protect their own despite his/her misdeeds. Like what #32 said above a judge is bound to the constitution period. He should have addressed the issue of DBZ/JCN saga in full and what role each person has played in this matter. He seems to be conceding defeat by saying Govt will accept verdict

  50. Wise words from ABC. But he missed it on 3 points: He should have been categorical on the police brutality. He should have condemned the police in their use of force on hapless and unarmed UPND youths. Brutality is brutality besides the police were not provoked. The police like the 3 Govt dailies (Post, Daily mail & Times) have become so biased in their duties towards the PF Govt. Ms Katanga should be put in the line. He is also saying that our Judges are not professional in that they will protect their own despite his/her misdeeds. Like what #32 said a judge is bound to the constitution period. He should have addressed the issue of DBZ/JCN saga in full and what role each person has played in this matter. He seems to be conceding defeat by saying Govt will accept supreme court verdict

  51. God bless zambia to have chikwanda act as president for zambia until 2016 when we shall have a credible leader of HH calibre.

  53. aaaah…… you all call him wise…… How nice…. or are you just docile, gullible and clueless… Wake up Zambians plz. You guys are fooled easily. Old blood/birds of the same feather flock together.  #41 can’t and won’t be fooled. I think you need to follow him. I mean c’mon Price of Bread increasedCooking oil expensive A bag of Meali meal disgustingly expensive
    How can the ordinary man live and feed his family!!! when the simple basic commodities are expensive!!!!!! Useless Gov’t and you all praising this man who is in PF Gov’t. Only praise when you see the economy improving and basic commodities are affordable for the ordinary man. Only then can you praise. How do you praise someone for just speaking!  Ati he is a wise man he should be our presido. 

  54. Like father like son. Chikwanda walipala bawiso ba Sata amano. What a blessed PF family.

  55. If he is a wise man let him resign and set up his own party or would he rather stay with PF. 
    What has he got to say about the fuel donation to Malawi?!!!

  57. When Chikwanda is free of Whisky in his blood. he talks sense. When he is sober, which is rear, heis better than Ukwa.

  59. “It is in this context and public interest that the Minister of Finance as shareholder directed the DBZ to ask their lawyer to pend (hold) the action before the court, not to withdraw but seek the Attorney General’s option because the matter before the court had acquired overtones which were contentious,” he said. HAVE THIS FOOOL USURPED POWERS OF THE BOARD?

  62. I must admit HE Sata at the end if his time will be remembered for his contribution to our mother Zambia he has demonstrated good character standing for the truth I do understand why personally does not support dual citizenship we can not  allow connmen to begin to engage in fake marriages to occure citizenship this is a big problem in Western Europe

  63. We should support what is good, alot of well thought through responses. But on the issue of police and brutality it should have been shoot down by Chikwanda at all cost even if he may not believe in morden methods of controlling people demonstrating. How can people be happy that we have Chikwanda and not the president. The person with mandate to rule is HE MCS and not Chikwanda. It would be nice if within PF, including Chikwanda they improve the counsel they offer to Sata, in order to move the nation forward. As for the Malawi Judge pls send him back.

  64. I must admit HE Sata at the end of his time will be remembered for his contribution to our mother Zambia he has demonstrated good character standing for the truth I do understand why personally does not support dual citizenship we can not  allow connmen to begin to engage in fake marriages to occure citizenship this is a big problem in Western Europe.Today Bembas have become wise shame on you who practice tribalism.We are one in Christ one Zambia one Nation

  66. awe sure . . . .”The most worrying sign that Sata’s government is incapable of competent economic management is the wide-ranging trend of nepotism across most key positions. Sata appointed his uncle, Alexander Chikwanda, as Minister of Finance. He has appointed his nephew, Miles Sampa, as Deputy Minister of Finance. As Secretary to the Treasury, the third position in the hierarchy of the Ministry of Finance, Sata has installed a Brother In Law, Fredson Yamba. He appointed Robert Sichinga as Minister of Commerce, whose son is married to his daughter. He also appointed another nephew, Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba, as Minister of Defense. Further, in a country of so many regions, more than 50% of his cabinet originates from his region.”

    • nothing wrong if they are capable.Jfk had his brother as attorney general and the current white house is full of jews

  67. Is anyone wondering whether all this “reasonableness” is genuine or whether the heat is beginning to cause reason to triumph. My simple argument is that if all this reason actually exists, why have things come to a head? I seriously wonder what motivated this, I am not so naive as to believe its the poeple and their concerns, I am willing to bet some of the real king makers ( not the wannabe’s currently controlling the President) must have issued a stern warning even my kid’s know how to act reasonably when I pull rank.

  68. Mr Chikwanda said it is Government’s practice to seek guidance of the Attorney General’s opinion on matters without certainty, WHEN IT IS OUR FRIENDS INVOLVED, OTHERWISE FOR OUR ENEMIES, WE ARREST THEM FIRST AND THEN INVESTIGATE.

  69. now this is the type of man you need in these harsh times of global recession, not these Nyauu Dancers like sata, chishimba kambwilli, Foolish Guy scott, kennedy sakeni, winter ka bamba, GGG GGG GGGBM, MILES SAMPA, george chellah( never inspiring), Given Lubinda, ****son Shamenda, Charity Chazanga or is it katongo, george zulu, kalusha bwalya, etc… This man trully proves the facts even better than that rubbish guy scott… Why wasn t he the vice instead of that loaf of bread???

  70. How iI wish Sata can go for good wherever he is or  stay much longer on  holiday to allow this wiseman mr chikwanda be president for good

  71. Whatever that guy, ABC or whatever u call him, is talking nonsense. When I come back, I will ask him to “reverse with immediate effect” his pronouncements. I m not called Ukwa for nothing. Just need to pass thru India first :)

  72. 2ICs are usually wise in the discharge of their duties. It is for this that they are chosen. Think back to General Godfrey Miyanda, and others. A good number of Vice Presidents don’t make good Presidents, and I dare not mention names. 

  73. Fine, fine. Now that the judgement was passed nonetheless, can we start paying back the 14 billions already? Or are you trying to say that the judgement is also part of the tribunal??? Are court decisions going to be reversed or what? Did any journalist ask this and get an answer?? Sole wena natumfwa kanye…?

  76. What is there to commend about statement by Alexander Chikwanda? The man said nothing at all, which means that the speech is aimed at charming donors because smart Zambians know better. He did not say what law the UPND youths broke, now he claims that it is okay to demonstrate provided one follows the law! The youths wanted to protest against Nchito’s position as DPP, now is that matter in court as Katanga and now Chikwanda want us to believe? He is costing us K14bln by his instructions to DBZ and he tries to hide it in legal jargon. Look, bottom line is these guys want to protect their friends Mmembe and Co. Why did he interfere with the DBZ case when a ruling has been passed in favour of DBZ? Why didnt Mmembe appeal to Supreme court as govt itself has done over judicial review?

  77. Has State House become Supreme Court where those who owe K14bln should appeal? Okay we know the Judiciary at state house released the convicted criminal Judge Ngoma, but how many of us have access to appeal to state house, and if we are not PF, is the father gonna listen to us?

  78. This man shud ask nevers mumba , u dont hold a press briefing when u are acting head of state otherwise Cobra will fire you immediately for any mis intepretation to the nation. Also u dont bring unnecessary competition with the head of state, by making citizens atart judjing who is better between u or UKWA, i pitty u sir

  79. The VP is there appointing a minister just shows how narrow minded the president is and rises a lot of questions amongst us what’s going on with his VP….. is it because he is white, Sata will only see this as wrong once after power if at all he has any sense of guilty in him….. I do not support his style of leadership in this regard…Its an insult even at work if the MD delegate work to your junior…Absolutely rubbish MCS…

  80. Zero Boyz, PF people knows no protocol hence this is purely normal for them and supportive of the action. for sure Guy Scott is Psuedo or artificial or fakeor ersatz or watered down form of a VP. He is only there to chew cash and enjoy PF supporters dance for him at meetings he donates cash from his office.

  81. @Zed Poor People….. i totally agree with you, he should just put Chikwanda as VP in his near future Cabinet reshuffles….. the problem is Sata does not see how it signals to the rest out there……. I am PF support make no mistake but what is wrong is wrong, we are tired of him not listening, we voted for him because of how he drove LCC when he was governor…IMPLEMENTOR we just forgot that he has evolved…damn….forwarding ahead with pain

  82. #79 Zero Boyz- in case you have just woken up from your slumber, Guy Scott cannot act as president beacuse the current constitition does not allow.

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