The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has advised Acting President Guy Scott to isplay an impartial, objective, professional and statesman like approach to governing the country until the nation goes to the polls in January 2015.
In a statement released to the media today and signed by Executive Director Father Leonard Chiti, JCTR urged on Dr Scott to demonstrate leadership in managing this difficult and painful transition by being more consultative within the established party and government structures. JCTR further advised the acting president to avoid being influenced by any individual or group of people that may want to undermine the desire and will of the people.
Below is the full statement
Press Release
5th November 2014
Press Statement on the state of affairs in the nation
This press statement is issued on behalf of different stakeholders and ordinary people in the country who have expressed concern with the manner in which recent events have unfolded in the nation. This nation is in mourning but was treated to an unfortunate and ill-timed announcement regarding the leadership situation in the party in government.
On the evening of 3rd November 2014, news tricked in that there was a change at the General Secretary, SG, level of the Patriotic Front.
A news item on ZNBC attributed to the Acting President, Dr Guy Scott, indicated that Hon Edgar Lungu had been relieved of his position as SG.
This decision immediately excited strong emotions among various sections of society, with demonstrations being reported in different parts of the country.
Such demonstrations were accompanied by shock and anger amongst many citizens especially that there was explanation why Honourable Lungu was removed and it appeared as if no prior consultations were made.
Further this decision caused unnecessary tensions amongst citizens of our country particularly coming at a time when the nation is mourning the loss of President Michael Sata.
Although this uncalled for action was withdrawn, it reinforces the perception that there are divisions within the ruling party, and that there is a parallel structure to the party and government structures that is working to undermine the collective responsibility of government. Some people associated with this parallel structure are trying to usurp power and manipulate the due processes to be undertaken by:
i) Selecting a credible and preferable candidate for the ruling party and generally;
ii) Working towards undermining the electoral process.
It is also perceived that some of the people associated with the parallel structure appear to have access to immense financial resources to influence national matters such as the selection of a candidate from the ruling party who would advance their agenda.
Sadly, some of our public officers who are tasked with safeguarding national interests have fallen prey to these machinations and thereby neglecting their constitutional responsibility of preserving and promoting national interests.
What has been stated above if not checked can plunge this nation into anarchy and tear apart the peace and unity that we have enjoyed as a nation in the last fifty years.
Further, decisions that have been made in recent times go against our traditions and cultures.
In view, of the above, we would like to:
a. Urge the Acting President to demonstrate leadership in managing this difficult and painful transition by being more consultative within the established party and government structures.
b. We call for a more rational, level headed and unifying approach to national matters
c. Advise the Acting President to avoid being influenced by any individual or group of people that may want to undermine the desire and will of the people.
d. Display an impartial, objective, professional and statesman like approach to governing the country until we go to the polls in January 2015.
We also appeal to all Zambians irrespective of their political affiliation to remain calm and continue to mourn our departed President with honour and dignity.
We further urge them to be vigilant and avoid being drawn into acts of violence or actions which may bring divisions in the nation.
We further note with concern the language and tone of some sections of the media which can raise tensions, bring divisions and breach the peace we have enjoyed for many years.
We urge such media entities to refrain from this irresponsible behavior and work towards conveying credible information and not to be seen to be peddling falsehoods.
The media should be contributing to easing tensions and project the good image of the country as we welcome the world to mourn with us at this time.
Finally, we would like to appeal to the leadership of the PF party and other opposition leaders to contribute towards preserving harmony and to guide the conduct of their followers.
Issued by Fr Leonard Chiti, sj
Executive Director, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, JCTR
My prayer is that the Catholic Church will not offer spiritual and moral support this time around to hyenas and rascals to rule our beloved nation.
Chiti should be arrested as the whole country is behind Guy Scott
People like Chiti who undermine ‘the appointing Authority’ should be deported to Malawi or arrested.
let us mourn the life of the greatest President the country has ever had.
I hugely doubt the country will ever be the same with the loss of a Patriot who was loved cherished an achieved more in 3 years than any other Zambian president
We miss you Mr Sata.
I am still hurting very very much
Thanks
We know all that Fr. Chiti. Just go back and continue praying rosary. If indeed Guy Scott sinned, he will come to you for confession. More greetings to wise Fr. Bwalya, who has being so much in reflection to make peace for himself and Ba Sata.
Lekeni imitima ya bafwa ilale mu chibote chape…. Amen.
Country men and Women.
I still and will always contend that what Guy Scott did TO FIRE the SG was right and it NEEDED to be done at the time it was done. Today there is a semblance of peace and people have sobered up and moaning Sata.
On the contrary, it was Edgar and group that were promoting anarchy of the worst kind. Can you imagine what the situation would have been like today if Guy Scott never put his foot down? It would have been chaotic, each one doing as they please.
But Guy Scott, being a leader, put his foot down. Even if it meant firing the SG. The clique realised that Guy Scott meant business and had to back down and have accepted to recognise his constitutionally given roles (both in Govt and PF)
Its what leadership is about.
I am not PF but I dont condone…
I am not PF and I will never support a white man (sorry about that) to takeover as president BUT I ABHOR ANARCHY the more. I believe in ORDERLINESS.
At the moment anarchy in PF would definitely spill over to the entire Nation. What signal do you think it would have sent to the international community if even today we had bena Kambwili swearing to go and evict the constitutional acting president?
May God continue blessing Zambia.
Actually, @Harry, Zambia doesn’t need prayers from your evil organisation masquerading as Christians.
@Bwana Mukulu
We all abhor anarchy but your contention is misplaced. Yes, Lungu’s statement was perhaps too “loose” and needed repremand but Guy Scott was insensitive and mistimed his reaction. He would have been the “bigger man and statesman” had he waited until Sata was buried, or at the very least ask someone to nudge Lungu to tone down until after the 11th. Lungu, as SG, was not going to do anything much during this time either.
And what makes you so sure that some desperate soul, with huge debts, pushing to get back the “influencial powers” over the presidency did not “wispher” some instructions in Scott’s ear? It is only a desperate man that would react in the way Scot did…dont you think?
The Catholic church in Zambia is a tribal church. They will support anything Bemba. Zambia has starting emitting a foul stench!
@Its a worry. No. That action was taken at the right time. If it was delayed the whole moaning period would have been turned into chaos. I can tell you for certain that those PF die-hards only bend to force. That is how Sata managed them (hence the name Cobra).
I very certain that, if Scott never acted firmly, today (Wednesday) as I speak, we would have riotous placard-carrying cadres all over Zambia shouting at Guy Scott to hand over acting presidency to Lungu. Trust me on that one.
But do you know how the atmosphere is in Lusaka and Zambia as I write? Calm and peaceful.
And you know what? They all agreed to give Scott the due respect accorded to the Acting Head of State.
As for the Cartel? I don’t know and wont commit myself – right now I am enjoy the peace.
Bwana Chiti, message is clear. However why include the opposition which has done its best to advise wisely and timely the PF to behave. It seems you are bent on condemning the opposition which has been exemplary in this case. What they deserved from you was the praising for their conduct and not otherwise what you are stating above.
MMEMBE IS THE ARCHITECT OF ALL THIS CONFUSION.
AFTER THE BURIAL OF MCS, MMEBE SOULD BE LOCKED UP AND THE KEYS THROWN INTO VIC FALLS!!!
How come this Mushota is always first to comment? And who nominated her for LT Blogger ,sensible bloggers like General GM were left out? This just explains why we have the type of leaders we have in Zambia.The Loudest tins,get the votes!
And Where is TB Joshua,didnt he forsee death of a President in Southern Africa?
Any statement that includes the word stakeholders is not for the benefit of anyone else but stakeholders. Giddy up with your disingenuous noise and political analysis, rhetoric and misguided political positioning. This is what happens when people abuse the ten commandments and use them in vain. Theosopholise that!
Let Guy Scott be level headed in Africa there are certain things you do not do when mourning.Remember he has no village or chief here so do not know our traditions and customs.
Give guy scott a break. Hunger has caused so much dependence syndrome and lack of objectivity. No one of these groupings has condemed Lungu Statement on Giving power for people and comparing himself using the biblical analogy. Sure even churches which believe zambia is a christioan country should have condemned that statement. Due to lack of integrity which is a common disease in zambia, they all see things differently like they are wearing the same blinkers. God will push all who call his name, but circumvent the truth.
We Should all commend and not condemn Guy Scott for saving this country from sinking into total anarchy. He gave the instruction to cancel cabinet and PF CC meetings in the interest of moaning his friend peacefully. It is sad that certain selfish individuals chose to deliberately manipulate and incite the cadres thereby causing chaos.
Can you imagine if Edgar Lungu and coy had simply obeyed and not held their clandestine meetings, would we have had the ensuing confusion?
Fr Chiti you too biased and casual in your statement.You an evil person not fit to be called father. Instead of reducing tension you are adding fire. Other people don’t seize to amaze me if when he has been trained and washed in the blood of Christ his thinking and behavior remains that of tribalist. Guy was right to fire Lungu who about to bring anarchy in country by suggesting that he was forced to release the instruments of power as they belonged to him when infact not.the constitution is clear the veep should act as president.This cartel thing is one way of stoping Kabimba to contest he has rights to contest as a Zambian.stop the fussy and allow democracy to prevail.zambia is not a Kingdom but a democratic state.
Ba Lt why block me.tiseyeni we debate.
Is this an issue to reflect upon the intersections of the management of a complex modern state as opposed to the simple traditional [tribal] set up?
Believing he is a weak guy, all the plunders are behind Edgar Lungu. As for Guy , please forgive and forget. The cadres did what you cant do and decision was reversed. So just shut your beaks up.
This the time to commend him for his after thought. Why continue condeming him because even the cadres forgave him and moved on.
Why condemn before you know what caused Guy scott to fire Lungu? This man was trying to undermine the authority of Scott when he directed that no dark Conner meetings discussing about who to field as a candidate during mourning period . claiming he was equally acting PF president because of the lacuna in law of the PF constitution . In short he was seen to go against this directive claiming it was issued by an illegal acting president of the party. Is having political meetings during mourning time in line with our tradition? There is a lot of hypocrisy in this country.
In my culture, it is taboo to discuss the the sharing of the deceased’s estates before you bury them. Isambo lyamfwa is done only after burial.
But here are Zambians claiming that it was there aws nothing wrong with Edgar Lungu, Nsandas and coy shamelessly holding succession meetings before burial. And that Scott was wrong to put such diabolical and accursed activities to a halt by taking stern action.
I begoooo.
Sorry should read …. “…… Zambians claiming that was there was nothing wrong …”
Mwamona, bukali boonse ubu ubwalenga ukupanga such mistakes
We will miss the president.It shows Dr Scott is a listening man.Lets not have excuses using terms like unzambian,unafrican e.t.c whilst we ignore that Lungu was wrong.We are longer the people MMD used to cheat.We have grown and matured and shall no longer be deceived.No matter how much you market Lungu we make the decision.One thing I would like to see is that these candidates are subjected to some debate on TV.Good day.
Guy Scot is a pawn being pushed into the battle by those who have taken advantage of his inability to reason and make correct decisions, remember the same white man said he was Sata,s chola boy meaning he cant do things on his own unless someone tells him what to do. Am not surprised that after hounding Lungu from SG position, he quickly u-turns and reinstates him! what stupid muzungu as HH once said!
Sata has gone with his party what a shame for the government.
Who in Zambia is professional when u lot r either tribalistic , corrupt uneducated?
Sometimes a peaceful nation means a nation full of cowards!!
GS in his capacity as acting president has all security wings reporting to him including activities & machinations of cabinet ministers & CC members. I would like to give him the benefit of doubt and NOT be quick to assume he is getting instructions from the cartel. Chaps like b4 Lungu was fired chaps like Nsanda were holding midnight meeting with him and Kambwili was reported telling youths tha he would disrupt cabinet meeting untill instruments of power are grabbed from GS & returned to Lungu. Assuming all this is true GS had to options! 1.Sit & watch the rascals disrupt order until Nov 12 or 2. Nip the problem in the bud by firing Lungu B4 its too late. What would u do i u were in GS shoes?
There goes another sane person. Thank you Quest.
At least some like Quest can talk sense. Lungu was the one making inflammatory useless statements like “I could have held on to power if I wanted to”. What kind of statement is that to make when mourning?
1. Edgar was busy throwing insults at Guy
Saying he was there illegally. Even him can he show us the letter showing the late president handing over to him since our president left at midnight? Did he expect Guy to
Remain quiet while he was being insulted?
2. Guy Scott started PF with Sata they walked the two of them together people thought
The guys were on weed. No one gave them chance. Guy reached areas were even michael didn’t reach to campaign.
3. For the so called cartel does it exist? Fred Mmembe has been around for 20 years
Fought with every Govt can one say it’s strange now he’s shooting at PF? No the man
Is in a league of his own. They fear him that’s why they associate him to every confusion. PF fear him they know how he fought rupiah to aid PF into power…
Will only believe when I see these heads of states, too much lies by PF. Why come for funeral and not when he was alive? Are they coming to see for themselves that indeed he is gone?
Confusion engulfing thenation is partly attributed to latepresident Sata himself. Late Sata used all means that was available to him including the Post news paper Mmembe and other thugs that promted him to power. The off shoots of his rule is now showing its ugly presentations tothe nation. We have to contend and arrest this shameful political trend emerging in Zambia.
Why do comments from the Catholic Church elicit so much vitriolic responses. Did the Catholic Church really put Michael Sata in State House? Supposing all the Catholics did in fact vote for Michael Sata, and the rest of the country voted otherwise, would that have been enough to put Sata into State House?
It seems to me, that Sata got into State House not because the Catholic Church voted for him, but because many other Zambians (Catholics included) voted for him. I doubt if the Catholic Church has enough numbers to out-vote the rest of Zambia.
And Yes, I am a Catholic, and did NEVER vote for Sata.
Read the speech of President Mugabe…True Story:
1. Racism will never end as long as white cars are still using black tyres.
2. Racism Will never end as long w…e still wash first white clothes, then other colours later.
3. Racism will never end if people still use black to symbolise bad luck and WHITE for peace!
4. Racism will never end if people still wear white clothes to weddings and black clothes to the funerals.
5. Racism will never end as long as those who don’t pay their bills are blacklisted not White listed. Even when playing the pool (snooker), you haven’t won until you sink the black ball,and the white ball must remain on the field.
BUT I don’t CARE,SO LONG AS I’M STILL USING THE WHITE TOILET PAPER TO WIPE MY BLACK A*S,
I ‘M STILL FINE! (Mugabe speech)
@ Bob You are lucky you have money for toilet paper!
We have to use old newspapers, so all the pictures of Michael Sata printed in obituaries since he died have been very useful!
Occasionally we get a Zimbabwean newspaper with Mugabes picture in it. But the quality is not as good as Zambian papers and those ones block up the sh!t and make a bad smell! And no-one wants to clear out uncle Bobs remains!
Am looking forward to more coverage of Guy Scott. Am tired of seeing black marks on my underpants from the ink they use!
And washing powder is expensive!
Cheap propaganda by Miti. We expect better things from people who say what they say in the name of the church or God. Why is it that whatever Lungu and company were doing, prior to Lungu’s dismissal is being swept under the carpet?
The white man is the one they find easy to pummel, just because he is white. Why do they ignore to look at what led the white man to act the way he did? It’s like tying the hands of one child and then throw that child in the ring to fight another.
This is shameful and should not be expected from a religious organization like The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection. This is trash and hypocrisy.
Sorry, the name, should be “Chiti” and not “Miti.”
There was a good reason why Dr Scot fired Lungu.It appears Lungu is a silent trouble maker bafter he was removed as acting president he started using his SG title to organise secret meatings.It was good he was fired.Pls leave our acting president alone no matter of ratial remarks will movw him cos he knows such remarks are coming from disgruntled people.To be where hes hes been thru that before but he knows the majority of us civilised Zambians are with him.
Fr Chiti come out in the open as to which camp you supporting so that we declare you as a cadre don’t hide behind catholic organisition.You an axis of evil to perpetuate PF tribalism and selective discipline which has grown into massive disobedience in the country.
Father Chiti, how come you did NOT: 1. Advise Kambwili to observe tration/be level headed and not threaten to disrupt cabinet meeting until instruments of power were grabbed from Guy Scott and handed to Lungu?
2. Why didnt you condemn Nsanda and for holding midnight meeting with Lungu before isambo lyamfwa
3. Why didnt you condemn/offer counsel to those in open campaigns by GBM & Mulenga Sata who printed T -Shirts; Contiunuity with Sata: Courtesy of GBM
4. Why did you NOT offer counsel to Lungu on his analogy of king solomon asking for a sword to split the baby & surrendering for the sake of peace as offensive by playing victim and campainging sacarstically
The one who has been holding dark corner meetings is Guy Scott. He has been taking orders from the Cartel and sidelining the Cabinet and Central Committee. If he had been consulting his colleagues this would not have happened. Guy should stay away from the Cartel.
Reading today’s Past editorial you get a sense that mmembe has been shocked to the bone and humbled by the spontaneous riots, but trying hard to keep up appearances. Not for one moment did he know that he had no control over the masses whom he thought were under his spell. All the recent editorials savaging and rubbishing, shitting on certain leaders perceived as threats to his evil plans were meant to prepare the masses to accept what happened the other day. He woke up yesterday to the shock that actually those editorials did not have the intended effect, if anything he offended the masses who want to make their own independent decisions this time around, and not to be led like dogs by the Past!
Thanks Fr Chiti for your article. However, every coin has two sides.
Can you also share your thoughts about those who might be are secretly campaigning for themselves or other to replace our late head of State.
I seek enlightenment dear bloggers:
Edgar Lungu seem to have too many portfolios in key areas: Minister of Defence, Minister of Justice and GS for the ruling party.
1. Given the pressure of this crucial moment, can our EL cope with the demands of these Ministries and keep the level headedness needed by the Party?
2. Should EL strongly desire to contest for presidency, he will leave so many gaps to be filled!
Scott, thanks for reinstating EL. You listened and fr Chiti needs to commend you on this.
NEWS CONTINUE AFTER THE BURIAL
These are animals. When Wynter Kabimba was fired recently, they gave accolades to the one who fired him and convened a party to celebrate Kabimba’s political demise. When Edgar Lungu got fired under similar circumstances, they viciously turned on the one who fired him, cursed and called him all sorts of innuendos and convened an emergency meeting to have Lungu reinstated. These are the kind of animals we are contenting against.
Ok its too much of guy scott,evrybdy is like guy scott this guy scott that, let the man govern the country plz and let us focus on sumthin mor progressive.eish man!
Pansaka tapabula iciwele wele. Ba Guy Scott ciwele wele.
Too all Zambians ! What will you do when Ebola comes to Zambia ? Are you going running for foreign aid ? No you got a white president and you chasing him . Chinese already in Zambia and Europe what’s to come , both have got money let them come and enjoy both ways .ka lunga , ka GBM .ka mulenga . You what to steal everything .
We all make mistakes, even the late made a lot of mistakes, we accepted it , both Scott, is also human, he has learnt that, and won’t repeat the same. Lungu, should also cut down his drink, that’s were, he opens his mouth without thinking.
Wise up…GUY SCOTT FOR PRESIDENT.we have tried you guys,you have let us down,better to try musungu.