THE PRESIDENT-ELECT’S MIXED MESSAGES OF RECONCILIATION, PEACE AND UNITY – TRANSITION versus POWER VACUUM
[By Brig. Gen. Godfrey Miyanda – 31st august 2016]
INTRODUCTION
I am prompted to respond to Mr Amos Chanda’s recent “Vacuum Speech” because his Boss has left a trail of illegal pronouncements and actions. Mr Chanda’s Press Briefing seemingly endorsed the President-Elect’s creation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced at St Paul’s church in Lusaka. It is misleading to give a blanket declaration that the President-Elect has a mandate to do as he pleases regardless of the time and season through which the nation is passing; it is also misleading to suggest that he can create ministries, districts and constituencies at will as alleged by his Assistant Mr Amos Chanda.
OF GOEBBELS
In Hitler’s Nazi Germany there was a man called Joseph Goebbels who, though long gone, was the master propagandist of all time. But in today’s Zambia there seems to be a Goebbels at work, manipulating information, shutting down media outlets and ensuring that there is no response in the public media to deliberate lies and half-truths.
Today in Zambia the problem is to identify who this modern Goebbels is in the PF political machinery; unless we understand what is happening in the PF’s media strategy we shall never liberate the people of Zambia as promised by the late President Sata when he revealed that he was leading the country to the Second Liberation! The search to identify the Zambian Goebbels must begin in earnest but must take place concurrently with countering the lies without waiting for Z Goebbels to be exposed. I begin my search and contribution by responding to Mr Amos Chanda’s assertions during his “Power Vacuum” speech.
CREATION OF THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
Barely 24 hours after the President-Elect announced the creation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs at a well-attended church function of the United Church of Zambia his assistant, Mr Amos Chanda, held a press briefing whereby he declared that there is no vacuum in Zambia because of the so-called new Constitution. He also mumbled something about violence, unity and tribalism. Like Goebbels he did not contextualise the real issue at hand. I say to him and his boss “You cannot have your cake and eat it”!
As a Christian myself I should be rejoicing about the purported creation of the Ministry of Religious affairs but the issue is NOT the creation of the ministry but why now in the middle of an election petition! I contend that the Chanda “Vacuum Speech” has ignored the context of the intention of Parliament to provide an orderly transition from the just ended regime to the new one for the next five years. Since there is not yet a confirmed winner of the August 2016 election it is mischievous for the President-Elect to be posturing daily in churches, prisons and countrywide tours as if nothing has happened in the nation. His status has been challenged so it is not only in bad faith but is provocative, especially to those who have not accepted the outcome of the last election, to be creating ministries. In God’s name how can his actions create peace, unity and reconciliation in the nation? Let him just seat back patiently and await the outcome of the challenge to his election.
Mr Amos Chanda, or accurately President-Elect Lungu, is wrong to consciously mislead the public that the President is working. The churches that are supporting, hosting and congratulating him are naïve and are ignorant that there is formally “no government” at the moment since the tenure of the former PF government ended on 13th May 2016 when the Parliament was dissolved; but the State continues to exist without a formal “government” for only a period of 90 days!
CHANGE VERSUS THE SPIRIT OF THE TRANSITION
The President-Elect’s Team is in denial but must accept that following the dissolution of Parliament on 13th May 2016 a major change took place that triggered the transition mode. This change cannot be stopped by anyone, not even by the Constitutional Court. The sooner Mr Chanda, alias Lungu, wakes up and stops denying what has taken place the better for us all. The Constitutional Court is not there to stop the change but to affirm that indeed a new regime is upon us, and that new regime will either be a new PF one consisting of a new Cabinet or a new regime of a different political party. Even a re-run, if ever it became necessary, will not change the scenario because only the two top contenders will take part in the run off, unless by some miracle recounted votes disclose that in fact votes were stolen from the other candidates!
The change is that following the dissolution of Parliament on 13th May 2016, there is a government-in-waiting; the Constitutional Court will merely put a stamp of confirmation and endorsement of what that change is after considering the case presented to it by the parties in contention. So lets us bide our time and allow the process to take its course. Thus the President-Elect must not keep sending mixed messages himself or through surrogates to the nation at large, cunningly and subtly communicating that the PF regime is still in place by creating ministries, districts and constituencies; imagine even sending a so-called PF Disaster Management Committee to Namwala with food for the survivors of the “Namwala holocaust”!
I contend that the five-year tenure of the PF regime run from September 2011 and expired on 13th May 2016, when Parliament was dissolved. So, what is the reason for the Goebbels strategy? It is to keep the natives believing that there has been no change in spite of the petition by showing the President-Elect humbly carrying on his normal duties and officiating at functions and creating new ministries. But I call on the President-Elect to be patient and savour the new constitution that he operationalized publicly by his signature at the Independence stadium on 5th January 2016.
LOOKING BACK
The spirit of the Constitution has been relegated to the rubbish pit, vis a vis the transition. Let us wind back to the historic coming on the scene of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MDD) to rescue Zambians from the claws and jaws of the One Party Dictatorship. Team MMD had won a landslide victory in November 1991, following the first multiparty general election that ended the One Party regime. I was standing by Dr Frederick Chiluba’s side at Hon Newstead Zimba’s Rhodes Park house on Lagos Road, when outgoing President Dr Kenneth David Kaunda telephoned FTJ to concede defeat.
It was a joyous occasion but it also produced a vindictive reaction within our circles. “Kaunda must get out and go immediately” urged some members of Team MMD; the purveyors of this diatribe will remain unnamed for now. I was isolated because I advised FTJ to give KK time to clear out, in spite of the Constitution which provided for a 24 hours swearing in schedule. I argued that the perception will be that we were vindictive. The voices for immediate eviction of KK were rather strong.
But in those early days FTJ paid attention whenever I spoke. He agreed with my suggestion; but later a new angle was introduced by the same cabal, that FTJ must enter State House immediately as a symbol to the whole nation that he was now the President. After much private persuasion it fell on me to find an alternative transit camp instead of a hotel, hence the birth of the so-called Government House – this little battle was won without much fanfare and KK remained in State house for some days; I was the only Minister with FTJ when KK handed over to him. The purpose of this brief expose’ is to illustrate what happens when there are gaps in the law and how some people routinely choose to take advantage of those gaps for selfish motives.
There is always a period of a momentary vacuum, to borrow Mr Chanda’s word. But it is NOT a real vacuum because the government system remains intact. I contend that the tenure of the outgoing PF regime ended on 13th May 2016 when the five years term of Team PF (President, cabinet and MPs) ended. We have always had a transition, except during the One Party period. There is an unwritten rule or practice that no new government programmes are initiated as has been done by the President-Elect. The President-Elect and his Team must stand still and patiently await the outcome of the Petition!
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT TOO SLOW
The complaint that the Constitutional Court is taking too long and delaying development is not supported but is mischievous, unfair and intended to pressurise the Constitutional Court and to make people believe that the Court is not equal to the task. The Petition of Mazoka and Others, arising from the 2001 Presidential election (Anderson Mazoka, Christon Tembo and Godfrey Miyanda versus Attorney General and ECZ), is instructive.
That Petition took four years to conclude while the declared winner was carrying out the functions of Republican President, making the whole exercise of the petition an academic exercise and a mockery of justice. The Amended Constitution has provided for a shorter transitional arrangement of 14 days to manage the ascension to the Presidency and make the change over smooth. In short the spirit of the Constitution is that there is never a vacuum; but such interpretation must not be to serve a private agenda of the so-called incumbent as stated by Mr Amos Chanda, alias Edgar Lungu.
I totally disagree with those persons, including some NGOs and some churches, alleging that the Constitutional Court is delaying the Petition. They are definitely ignorant of the new system of managing cases. It is an effective system; it is efficient but puts pressure on the parties to the case to be clear in the claims and demands presented to the Court.
Is it rational for anyone today to say that 14 DAYS IS TOO LONG? 14 days versus 4 years? There must be another hidden agenda behind such statements. It is for parties to ensure that they have credible evidence and stick to the case they have put before the Court and confirmed in the preliminary phase of the Petition. I am certain that this UPND Petition will not and cannot take four years as before, not even one month if the Petition rules are followed. Let us leave the Constitutional Court to do its job without conducting running commentaries. Please no more hocus pocus from Team Amos Chanda and his extended family.
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
A CONCERNED CITIZEN
[31ST AUGUST 2016]
You are a failure including in your political ring and your past experience is something you must be ashamed off. Just site and dream on
Good Message but i dont know the necessity of it
Thanks
BB2014
Read the article objectively Miyanda raises very pertinent issues you need to take a holistic view of what is happening to comprehend some of his assertions. The problem lies within the intellectually bankrupt minds of blind followers.
This man successfully defended himself during a treason trial most of you wouldn’t event defend yourselves when confronted with rumours of an affair by your wives you simply freeze like a zombie!
I am always amazing by Miyanda’s analysis of issues, this man is source of knowledge in the country.
@1 Bemba Boy: thanks for reminding me of my failures. I shall keep trying until I succeed///
Brig.General Miyanda conveniently omits to mention that President Lungu is currently putting on TWO HATS.While ECL is President -Elect,he is still a President with instruments of Authority which he must hand over to the next President after the ConCourt has decided who the winner is.The man is still in State House.Despite Brig General Miyanda’s misguided comments wherein he says “I contend that the tenure of the outgoing PF regime ended on 13th May 2016 when the five years term of Team PF (President, cabinet and MPs) ended”.President Lungu was using State Resources during the election campaigns and continues to do so even now.If the Law did not recognize him as such why is Brig.Gen Miyanda not suing him to court for illegal use of state resources? President Lungu is free to visit any…
@General Miyanda, by saying you will keep trying are you implying you are going to stand again in the future? If so, on which party ticket?
Glad you eventually realized how a joker of a person you are, general. Tata tamulekota bwino.
Ever since General MIyanda left government, has he ever come out to show support for what government is doing when he agrees? I am sorry, but it is very unChristian for this man to ALWAYS write when he disagrees but NEVER when he agrees. This is the problem. He is hypercritical and judgmental, as though he and he alone is the fountain of knowledge. Brother Miyanda, it is Christian humility to give praise where it is due. It is pride to criticise whenever you do not agree, even if you may be right. General Miyanda was Vice President of a very bad government, otherwise, Captain Lungu alias Solo would not have risen against it. People rejoiced in the streets when they heard that Chiluba was overthrown. General Miyanda, speak out on the side of success as much as you do on failure.
Ba General iyo balipwa balisanguka niba blogger nomba bayamba nokutalikana nabena Nostradamus and Nabena Kudos.
It’s gravely important to pay attention to what Mr. Miyanda is saying if you really are a serious, patriotic and concerned Zambian. It’s imperative to put your party affiliation and blind loyalty aside for a moment, and be objective in evaluating what’s happening to the rule of law in our country. ECL and his group are clearly violating the constitution with impunity. The constitution is crystal clear that ECL as President-elect should have stepped aside and handed over his office to the Speaker, during the petition hearing. But he is already acting as a full fledged President, contrary to what the constitution says. He hasn’t even been officially sworn in yet, and he’s already creating extra unnecessary ministries. What message is this sending to the ConCourt who are trying to be…
(Continued)… objective and impartial in their final ruling? In other words, ECL and the PF party are acting like there’s no possibility that the ConCourt would rule in UPND’s favor. That’s a disrespect of the rule of law. No one should be above the law. Otherwise what good is the constitution if some politicians are not willing to obey it? We don’t mind if the ConCourt finally rules in PF’s favor. But PF needs to show some respect for the rule of law. That’s extremely important for a country to function as a normal democracy. Otherwise, we will speedily begin a downward spiral into a one party state system as a nation. And no progressive Zambian wants that nor desires it. Please follow the constitution and obey the rule of law.
A SARCASTIC, ILL-CONCEIVED AND A MOCKING STORY/ADVICE – POORLY TIMED
================================
An extremely boring long yap! I honestly find it weird that you can demean yourself to this level. Next time try to keep your stories short else, write a book if you’re so skilled. I will be one of those people who will try to buy it and read it as a novel.
Next time kindly also take your smart ideas to conferences where ideas and opinions are encouraged for national document formulation. Right now your advisory rhetoric sounds rather annoying and really confusing at a time like this. You too, are advised to stay off issues already before the courts.
If you wrote your story outside this trying moment, I would have maybe read it fully.
Ee tamulekota bwino yama! Try farming next time.
A tone of contempt rings throughout your narrative. First, as a soldier yourself, you should be aware of the cataclysm known as the holocaust caused by Adolf Hitler under whom Joseph Goebbels served. To think you have ignored this fact shows that your mind functions inadequately. As is typical of your writings, you emerge as a counteractive type driven by resentment. There is no question that your article exudes pathological narcissism and meets diagnostic criteria of a failed man. What stands out in your Goebbels accession and you defense in the KK encounter is your disregard for other people’s feelings. In this article the antagonist is Lungu featured as Hitler and his assistant Chanda as Goebbels. You must be ashamed of yourself to think thus. Having attained some modicum of power in…
@1.13 Media pro: 1. Your contribution is the usual ARGUMENTUM AD HOMINEM. I avoid such. Any way some further info: a. PF sent a senior Member of the Central Committee took ZNBC to Namwala to get info on some villages to use against Hakainde. They distributed food and other goodies and recorded the villagers wailing, using what they called PF Disaster Management Team. They came back with a not so credible story of ETHNIC CLEANSING which has since been disputed by independent sources. I used ‘holocaust’ in inverted commas due to the alleged fake ethnic cleansing since I had opened with Goebbels. 2. It is u who says Chanda is Goebbels; re-read my article without prejudice. I am never a praise singer if that’s what u desire. I write my opinions and stand by them///
Be objective please. This word failures you learn in bars just drops your mouth like spit. Failure finishing??
Gen Miyanda, you are a cavalier and a champion at denying poisoning the well. Over the years you have denied the consequent even when it has pointed to you. Those of us who have studied your mind know that you apply the technique of neutralization used in the army to deny the criminality and consequences of your actions. In response to my comment, you are at it again, attempting to throw back the charges by impugning my motives. Its time for serious introspection.
General, answering or re- battling slow punctured brains is daunting task.
Ba general you should seek job from the winner and not wishful losers
VERY well writen
Sorry Gen. MIYANDA am late comment, non of the existence and departed should insult you.
Ba Miyanda wants to cheat us he tried to prevail over FTJ by letting KK move out of state house at his own time. Was it not Miyanda and his cult of Born Again Christians who went to exorcise perceived demons in State House. Let General Miyanda not pretend to be a better politician and Christian than Lungu!!!
@3 zedoc: 1. KK is still alive; send credible investigative reporters to ask him whether he left State House in 24 hours and who was with FTJ when he handed over to him? I was with the two throughout the handover tour, except at one place when KK turned to me and said, as they were climbing stairs: “Young man , here you remain, you cant follow us”. I shall be shocked if he says I was not there.
2. You have read article with your eyes closed; read again the article and understand it and then debate intelligently. You will see that it is NOT even about Hitler and any religion. Resubmit your contribution so we can learn from you. 3. I am not competing against anybody, not even against you zedoc///
Ba General Miyanda, if you never wanted to be vindictive to KK as the born-again Christian you claim to be, why did you go with your born again Christian cult to State House to exorcise “demons” from there? Why did your MMD government send police to KK’s temporary residence to go and search for books your government claimed KK stole from State House? Why did the MMD government in which you served arrest KK on Christmas day? You are trying to tell us that President Lungu is claiming to preach reconciliation and peace and yet acting contrary to this. But then when one looks at the actions of your MMD government against KK, would you claim to be better than Lungu? That is the crux of the matter in your posting that you should address. Do not try to hide your real motives by using many…
I meant to say in my response to you “Do not try to hide your real motives by using many words.”
The exact word of General Miyanda seating in judgment over President Lungu’s action:
“Since there is not yet a confirmed winner of the August 2016 election it is mischievous for the President-Elect to be posturing daily in churches, prisons and countrywide tours as if nothing has happened in the nation. His status has been challenged so it is not only in bad faith but is provocative, especially to those who have not accepted the outcome of the last election, to be creating ministries. In God’s name how can his actions create peace, unity and reconciliation in the nation? ” And the Bible says, do not judge others if you do not want others to judge you. Hence, my reaction to General Miyanda.
General Miyanda, do not be economical with the truth. Tell the whole world if, indeed, as you suggest, President Lungu has created a ministry and tell us who the minister of this new ministry is. To propose to create a ministry is not the same as to indeed create one. You are a senior citizen, Sir. Learn to tell the truth!!!
Zedok you seem to miss the point General Miyanda made in his outstanding article. It’s not about whether ECL “ALREADY” created a ministry or not. It’s about him uttering the words that he’ll be creating a ministry, when he fully knows that his “victory” is being challenged in the ConCourt, and he does not even have the mandate yet to carry out any presidential responsibilities. Why can’t he wait and show some respect to the rule of law? Or maybe you can explain to us why he’s already all over the place acting like he’s already a full-fledged president, when he hasn’t even been sworn in yet. Remember, there’s a possibility that the ConCourt may NOT make it’s final ruling in his favor. But what PF and gang are doing is create an illusion like they’re already victorious, and…
(Continued)… already in full control of the government. This is not just a blatant disrespect for the rule of law, but it’s seems to putting the ConCourt in a tight corner.
Ba mudala aba why didn’t he stand in the last election?
@4 TK: invigilator says wrong topic or you are reading a wrong page. Resubmit paper on correct topic///
Ba Miyanda, please shut up and go enrol for a degree in Failed Parties. If indeed you are too experienced and know more than lots of us, how cone as a longest existing opposition with your one man party failed to participate in the 11 August elections?
The participation fee of K75 pin exposed you bakalamba. We all know that the little money from donors that you used to chew alone couldn’t give you change because of the new constitution requirement. Your are a disgrace and it’s time you came to terms. I wonder whether anyone 21 years and below ever know you once served as VP of this nation, so give us a break, President Lungu is our President for the next 5 solid years take it or d1e!!!!
@Danger shuut up.your breath stinks…
@5 Danger: 1. I shall consider enrolling in that degree course if you let me have the detailed curriculum and location. But it appears, from your failure to understand the simple topic I have discussed, that you need that degree very badly. Read again with understanding then debate intelligently on the topic.
2.If you know that I was once VP, surely others know the same – LOL!
3. As for your president he is yours, you can keep him and I did NOT prevent you from claiming him. Be free to appreciate him but remember that I once advised him NOT to read with eyes closed. It seems you too have read my article with your eyes closed. Read and try again///
@Danger, better shut up yourself, you ignoramus. You can’t even begin to compare to Mr. Miyanda’s intelligence. He’s one of the few patriotic Zambians left, and a great inspiration to all of us concerned Zambians, both young and old.
Ba General you are a VERY VERY GOOD THEORETICIAN. Why can’t you put some of theories you propound into PRACTICE???? Bushe VILLAGE Concept yalimifulunganya???
Get a life bamudala.
THEORETICIAN ?
Pagwa chizungu bati! Straight from chawama ka?
@6 Mulenga: disappointed with you. Though a wrong topic I should seriously address you, for you are lost. If Zambian you have the name of your village on the NRC. It is more than a card; it signifies your ownership of your land. Most of this land is now being taken away by chinese “investors” who appreciate the value of land. The so-called New Constitution has given power to President to alienate ALL land in Zambia even traditional and your chiefs are quiet because they read with eyes closed. It is the first time our constitution has said so. People like you cannot fight for you rights but laugh at those who speak for you. One day you will remember my words and I hope it will not be too late for you.
Rtd Brig Gen. Miyanda in your search for your Z Goebbels; I can think of no one who would want to be compared to the Nazis. Notwithstanding, just as vividly as you recall being the voice of reason during you 50 minutes of fame with FTJ, neither have we forgotten how you were demoted to junior minister.Rtd. Gen if you read careful as you normally do,note that what ECL said on 28 August 2016 was; ‘he intended’ to create something to deal with Zambia being a christian nation, he wasn’t even certain what to call it. Intent and implementation as you are fully aware are two different things. Lastly, you are entitled to read into the current actions of the President Elect as you may, but as you are not the Cons Cot nor a lawyer your layman understanding of issues are devoid of legal…
@7 and 8 Denis: 1.Revisit LT of 23 Dec 15 – of the 10 reasons I gave the President in my Petition there was para 9 on Media Freedom “…Mr President this is 50 years after independence and we are still quarrelling over access to public media. We have gone back to days of the One Party State. Public media news used to be KK, Central committee, ministers, party cadres, in that order and a little about the rest. Today it is the same”. The President did not respond. 2. I did not read President Lungu’s speech; I heard him speak on ZNBC TV. 3. My article is on Goebbels the deceiver and manipulator of news and other information. Educate me if my information is wrong. If you are happy with media control in Zambia that is your choice. 4. I don’t claim to be a lawyer but I criticised the…
footing
@denis. Excellent answer. Who wants to be equated to Hitler? Goebbels? or Eichmann? or Goering? Which Christian who calls himself born-again for that matter calls another Satan????
If there is a bring and misleading person in Zambia it is gen Miyanda. He misled in FDD like I don’t know. We thought we had found a leader kanshi it was just a piece of a coward.
@9 Dodoma: you lie. I have never been FDD! RIP with your lies///
The truth is that you misled people of your own party with your Heritage crap. To imagine they have wasted all these years singing songs of praise for you, should hurt you even as stubborn as you are. You should be arrested for running one of the most sophisticated scums in the country.
Do readers remember The Post column by Masautso Phiri on “Crying out Loudly to the Lord”. It was about how despite being a born-again Christian and Veep General Miyanda, according to Masautso Phiri had taken machinery from the ZNS Kanakantapa farm to his own.
@10 zedoc: what I remember is that the Post settled with me many years ago concerning some lies told by your source of information///
Now a sleeping bull dog is awake. The General is talking. If only he could put his theories into practice. The constitution makes it very clear that the President and Vice President will continue to rule until a new President is inaugurated. ECL is fully in charge and can hire or fire. He is running Government effectively.
@11 Ichintu: that is your question; you asked it and answered yourself, how clever. I have discussed THE CONCEPT OF A TRANSITION, relating it to the life of the PATRIOTIC REGIME as a government and contending that the change has already occurred but will be endorsed by the CC. is that difficult for you to understand? Try another simpler site///
I have always contended that being in opposition has a life span.
Our dear General doesn’t have the political niche that appeals to many Zambians at any level.
His rhetorical gentle and to-the-book approach doesn’t work at the moment.
Am afraid too that the General hasn’t been fair foremost to himself and his party. Democratic
processes such as conventions, term of offices etc are unheard of in Heritage Party.
Can’t take anything from him but am afraid he is expired.
My tribe is the Army.
Joseph Goebbels the Nazi bears no comparison to Amos. Suggesting Zambia or even an individual in Zambia shares some attributes of the Third Reich, is a bit alarmist and a misrepresentation of historical facts. At best, Amos is simply a vuvuzela.
@14 Nigga: I hear you but your debate is too generalised; educate me on my misrepresentations. Also discuss what a vuvuzela does. The public media seem to be controlled by the same master (ZNBC TV, Radio Zambia, Times, Daily Mail). So you and me cannot resolve this mystery because we do not know who is doing it. Nigga, I said I shall be trying to identify Z Goebbels;your identification of Amos as Goebbels is your own research. There is a sophisticated hand manipulating information, including guiding which media to shut down. I do not believe it is Amos and neither is it his boss. it could be an individual or an organisation, local or foreign. Find out and come back to share if you succeed. Do not under rate the problem; I haven’t as I do not know who or what///
You have likened Amos to Goebbels in one of your paragraphs above. So really it’s you that has ‘outed’ him. My fear is you are misleading some folk on here who hardly know that Goebbels was one of Hitlers nasty and evil henchmen and like his master had only one main aim, to rid the world of the Jews and in that vein you seem to suggest Amos is a front to some real fiendish plan. Your comparison is far fetched and to a certain extent trivialises the holocaust.
@Carlos I cured myself of malaria like symptoms it didn’t make me a doctor or a physician
@ denis that explains why you have mental deficiency you actually had syphilis not malaria!
This failed general again. alk about the constitution issues pertaining to the petition. Why single out Chanda and what he said or did not say. When are you going to tell the nation about what YOU want for the nation. Don’t just castigate others when you do not have anything to offer. How may times are we going to ask you the question about your ka party with the village manifesto? You always dodge the question, why then raise issues with what others say? What kind of christian are you who find fault in the formation of the ministry of religion? A few weeks ago you were praising Chiluba’s legacy of having declared Zambia a christian nation, today you want to lecture us about Goebbels and Nazi shi-t. Get a life mudala iwe!
It’s increasingly becoming clear that Christianity is now being used by the politicians in Zambia as, what Karl Marx referred to, an opium of the people. And no, I’m not a Marxist nor am I an atheist. I’m a born again Christian who happens to be aware that politicians can effectively pull wool over people’s eyes using Christianity. As a result, uninformed Christians, in their naiveté, give all their loyalty to such a politician, and whoever disagrees with him is labeled a devil or a Satanist. The other thing I’ve noticed is people calling some politicians “genuine Christians” and others “Freemasons.” Why don’t you want to vote for so and so when he seems so qualified? Answer: No I can’t vote for him because he’s most likely a Free mason. Do you have evidence? And even if…
(Continued)…he is, so what? That’s his business between him and God. If he’s qualified for the political position vote for him. He’s not applying for a Pastoral position. Who would you rather vote for— A guy who tells you he’s a Christian, but is doing everything contrary to his claims, and doesn’t seem interested in improving your personal well-being, or a guy you suspect to be a “Free mason,” but seems qualified and willing to help you and the country? If we have a truly born again Christian who happens to be genuinely interested in developing the country, then we would thank God for that. But being a born again Christian is not a constitutional requirement to be a political leader in Zambia, nor is it a guarantee that someone is genuinely concerned about the development of…
(Continued)… the country. So, I would rather have a guy who doesn’t claim to be a Christian but seems genuinely patriotic and interested in developing the country and make things better for everyone , than someone who claims to be a Christian and is doing everything contrary to his claims.
There we go again, shooting the messenger. Lungu is really in contempt of court by openly exercising presidential powers whilst his eligibility for the this position is under contestation. The General is very correct in his analysis and the PF should be exercising restraint until the Concourt disposes of the the petition one way or the other. Is it too much to ask both parties to keep mum for 14Days?
Of course the President still has executive powers naimwe @Ba Folosho. It is not about the ‘PF government’ as you are being misled by the big man ba Gen Miyanda, it is about the Presidency. You are thinking like an old man that the beloved General has become (not wiser but losing it)…
Keep writing General. We all have the right to write our opinions. Brain stimuli affects people differently so I enjoy being tickled by opinions. Others get irritable. Others are downright rude. Others enjoy reading. Others can’t read but comment anyway. Different strokes for different folks. I like your perseverance and these notes are good for posterity.
@A Phiri
“Tickled by opinions?” that’s rude in itself. It means Miyanda’s story is mirthful!! Which is the case. Thanks mate.
@Medio Pro. My reference point or brain stimuli not the article. Good try! I am tickled by opinions up here in ‘general’ which is my right. I am now tickled by yours. The good General knows me by now and he gets why I say what I say. Too many trigger happy keyboard warriors play on his playground.
What has General Miyanda and that blogger, Jay Jay in common? Both are certified losers who swim in delusion of grandeur
Jay Jay may be better, NEZ mwebantu…
If we ignore what the General has said then let us forget about peace and reconciliation talks.
Bravo Ba General please save this nation from law breakers. Is Zambia now Animal Farm? Do not mind those who are not happy about this massage. Your voice is very important you represent all Zambian.
I say more and read more your message.
@20 zeetribe: Many thanks. I shall NOT stop writing as long as I judge that there is a reason to write; I have no secret agenda. I warned the President NOT to sign the Constitution with his eyes closed (LT 23rd December 2015). It seems he closed his eyes and now that constitution is the subject of far too many queries. I also was one of the first to advise that he was wrong to keep ministers? I advised the naive ministers that they will be on their own when judgement day comes. It has come and have I not been vindicated? Imagine a constitution to stand the test of time being amended in less than 12 months as now demanded by several people! The country does not belong to people because they are in government. If no one defends my rights I shall do so myself. Thanx///
15.1 flag carlos September 1, 2016 at 5:12 pm
vote
@ denis that explains why you have mental deficiency you actually had syphilis not malaria!
LOL You have broken my ribs.
Gen. Miyanda you are completely offside here. Whoever participated in the just ended elections including opposition is free to share his vision with the nation at any time. Creating a ministry without appointing a minister, permanent secretary for it is just the same as sharing a vision with supporters which Lungu is free to do. All Christians & other religions’ followers should be happy for that vision because its for thier protection. Imagine farmers, bankers, schools, hospitals, hotels all have the ministries to protect them, why not churches & other religions which are more those with ministry representation? The ministry will formulate policies to protect followers from their leaders who are taking their wives, husbands, vehicles, tvs, helplessly as if there is no govt. ECL is just…
ECL is just exercising his executive powers without power to appoint or dissolve parliament. Nothing is wrong wit that.
@22 True: it is you who is offside as usual that is why I do not respond to you. But today I want to correct you and advise you to stick to the topic at hand because cross country debates make it difficult to blog. But today you have tried hence why I am responding: read carefully, I have NOT discussed the Ministry of Religious Affairs. I have views about it and the state of Christianity in our nation today but I have NOT, repeat, NOT expressed them. The Christian topic has become too political and commercial. I am still a Christian, but a Christian for Jesus! At the right time, when I judge so, I shall discuss what you want me to discuss.
As usual silly comments without comprehending the spirit behind the message. I concur with the General on the fact that the ConCourt must be allowed to address themselves to the petition before them, without any unnecessary pronouncements from either camp. The onus lies squarely on it to set precedence that will stand the test of ‘absurdity’, and that of time. The infusion on the ConCourt by judges like Nigel Mutuna, Mumba Malila and Justice Mwanamwabwa would have given more credibility to it but then again that’s just me. We might be surprised yet by how the judgement will be couched…which in itself might bring healing to the nation and not necessarily the ‘validation’ of a ‘winner’ God bless our country.
I have always been impressed with Gen. Miyanda i wish he was popular in zambia worth a Vote from the zambian people. The problem with our people is reading with eyes closed as General puts it , immediately they see an article by intelligent people like Gen . miyanda they close their eyes and jumpon commenting ma rubbish. General never relent , we still need you in the political scene , iam sure 2021 can be yours , because i forsee a disgruntle UPND if the concourt rule in PF favour. I TRUST YOU ARE THE RESPONDING TO SOME OF THE BLOGGERS COMMENTS COS I CAN READ YOUR LANGUAGE, KEEP IT UP MUDALA
@24: I have not understood the last part of your comments. FYI I always sign my name Godfrey Miyanda and never incognito or pseudonym. So you can identify me by my name. If there is a response which you judge is by me but my name is not indicated then it certainly is not mine. Further it is my practice to respond only to those who discuss the topic at hand and ignore those with nothing to offer. This is a wonderful medium to exchange views and learn from one another///
mbuli miyanda we are not stupid In 2002 you had almost 25% mps in parliament and Sata had only one mp. Because of dictatorship you lost that grip you had on our political arena. Leave Lungu alone and yourself a bed at Chainama
Andala (Mudala) Miyanda welcome back to your debating vocation. We usually miss you when you suddenly go underground. You were wise though not to stand in the last election because you would have lost as usual. It does not help just to add to the numbers as Nawakwi and Kabimba learnt. I can assure you Mr. Banda of PAC could also have beat you. You are only good at punching holes at some things including what is under debate at present. You are a loner to the core but nothing your friends do is good for you. Only you know best. No wonder you will never win an election. Very soon I will stop reading what you write because I know what to expect. Just good simple debate. A lot of words but full of hot air. Maybe Miyanda needs to write a book like Mandrax Mwaanga did. Miyanda any thoughts?
The only sensible reaction I have read is that of A Phiri anabwela. General keep educating some will learn something. I know you will not be discouraged by negative comments
@27 wasabala to be discouraged is to fall down and remain down. I shall always get up if I fall. You see, I am familiar with tactics of discouragement. The idea is to get you to stop what you are doing. This is usually when you have hit the nail on the head and they come out like bees. The more you score the more they get angry, the more they insult and the more they create lies, character assassination. Intimidation is part of the brief. Thanx all the same///
B. Gen. Miyanda I always have something to learn from you. I really admire your pattern of thinking.
General you said you are christian next time write the positive things about PF. Don’t always be a NF Nagative (fault) Finder and but also a PF Positve Finder. Nangu just speak out on some faulties in the opposition. For instance utterances by UPND leaders that there will be Armagedon if we lose, you will see when the caught overturns things which also mean what are condemning, also condemn violence. Don’t be like the Post, Watch dog but like LT. Let us hear you end like HOWEVER, ON THE OTHER HAND I APPRECIATE EDGAR FOR NOT GOING ON WITH INAUGRURATION. The only one who always accuses you is your enemy. And for sure you are not the enemy to PF. Don’t just narrate also discuss to have more marks from lecturer (readers).
@29 Political Advisor: I am not aware that the Bible says that a Christian should say or write positive things. For example the Attorney General advised the President that ministers must vacate; he disagreed and advised ministers to stay; I disagreed with the President and warned ministers that those who do not go home will not be protected by the President when judgement comes. Judgement came and the former ministers are in soup. According to you I should have been positive? I write on specific topics that attract me, I develop my ideas and then prepare an argued paper. When I noticed problems with the Constitution I wrote privately to the President. He ignored me, never called me but went ahead and signed it with his eyes closed. Look where we are today. I don’t understand your…
Hello Ba General Miyanda,
I’m just wondering how I can get in touch with you, I have a couple questions regarding to governance and how can we make Zambia better.
if we can discuss privately it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
@30 Tamanga Boys: I have reservations about ex online contacts due to past experiences. But if you are serious you have to properly identify yourself to [email protected] and make a request to them – full disclosure of your identity///
General Miyanda sir, do you think the constitution of 2016 and the recommendations of the previous constitution commissions are totally different or parallel?
@31 Zed Hitman: this is a different topic and a tall order, requiring a separate paper. Be aware that I am NOT a lawyer. Anyway I feel that the final product of the last two Bill was not done by drafts men or drafters; some of the language is like by me a lay person. Also there seems to have been a cut and paste approach, hence you are bound to have a lot of mistakes and omissions. I don’t know why this generalised question but for what it is worth I suggest you read my article titled “Ten Reasons Why President Lungu Must Read With Eyes Open Before signing and Assenting to the Constitution Bills” (Lusaka Times 23rd Dec 15). There I stated a few concerns that I thought would jolt the President’s attention though he ignored me. I disagree with the stereotype method used to write the…
I can see the same spirit albeit moderated by age that caused you, general, to climb that ceiling to stash those blunderbusses at personal great risk driven seemingly by a deep conviction of justice. I must confess I still get amazed about that focused energy you exhibited during that whole episode. Alas, age has not confined your spirit and contention.
To General Miyanda, a gentleman of astute standing, I ask, could you and Lady president Nawakwi work with President Lungu? You are two of the remaining original MMD members with brilliant minds. Ones that can help him rule and cancel out plus overrule the ideas or a certain honorable Kambwili.
As much as I have some issues with the General, I can not even abysmally associate him with such an unfortunately unstable character as Nawakwi.
Blogger temunobe, even when you are trying to engage in a civilized debate you get punched with insults and ridiculed! We need to change our attitudes and debate responsibly people!
Ba Miyanda nimpepo sana
My question: based on the analysis from you General Miyanda, are you saying there is a leadership vacuum in this country? Who is then the State? Yes PF ceased but the State remained so who is this State and why do we have a leadership vacuum? Secondly, I don’t remember reading that ECL has created a new Ministry but rather made a suggestion to have one created. General kindly remind me when this Miniatry of created. I have never heard Amos quoting PF government but rather saying that there is a President in place. How come you are dicussing PF as a whole? Thirdly, I am just wondering how you General are only able to see negative attributes and no positive attributes! How?
Sorry: when this Ministry was created
But General there is really nothing to condemn ECL for expressing his desire nor is there justification to begin to paint an evil brush over what you imply to be an insidious hand bearing on the media. General, with all due respect this article is just an expression of who you are! It is your nature to want to be heard above others. That is just you.
I FEEL SORRY FOR PEOPLE OF THE GENERAL’S TYPE. HE WAS IN GOVERNMENT, HE KNOWS THAT IN THE
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WE HAVE IN ZAMBIA, MODELLED ON THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL SYSTEM
THERE IS NEVER A VACUUM IN THE PRESIDENCY….THE INCUMBENT REMAINS HEAD OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT UNTIL THE NEW HEAD OF STATE IS SWORN IT, CHAPWA, FULL STOP. SO WHERE IS THE
VACUUM? IT IS SUCH MISLEADING STATEMENTS THAT WILL LEAD TO ARNACHY IN THIS COUNTRY. THE
PETITION IS NOT AGAINST THE SITTING HEAD OF STATE, ITS AGAINST THE WINNER OF THE 2016 AUGUST
VOTE, AND THE MATTER IS BEING HEARD IN COURT. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS OUTGOING PRESIDENT IN THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA…..
THERE IS ONLY AN INCUMBENT, OR A SITTING PRESIDENT, WHO VACATES OFFICE UPON THE ELECTION OF A .NEW PRESIDENT, AND THAT PRESIDENT TAKES HIS OATH OF OFFICE. THAT THE INCUMBENT HEAD OF
STATE AND THE INCOMING PRESIDENT ARE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IN THE EYES OF THE CONSTITUTION. ECL IS NOT MISUSING HIS POSITION OR OFFICE. HE HIS DEFACTO HEAD
OF STATE UNTIL THE NEW HEAD OF STATE IS SOWRN IN. IN THE PREVIOUS ELECTION IN THE UNITED STATES, BARRACK OBAMA AFTER THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER WORE TWO HATS, ONE AS INCUMBENT HEAD OF STATE, THE OTHER AS PRESIDENT ELECT UNTIL HE WAS SOWRN IN ON JANUARY 26 THE FOLLOWING YEAR. THE SAME THING APPLIED TO GEORGE BUSH AND BILL CLINTON. GENERAL, YOU AND UNDER FIVE MUST REVISIT YOUR OWN CONSTITUION AND LEARN, SO THAT YOU DO NOT WASTE THE…
AS FOR ATTENDING PUBLIC FUNCTIONS, WHERE IS THE HUSTLE? MUST HE TURN DOWN INVITATIONS FROM THE COUNTRY WHEN HE IS ASKED TO PERFORM? DOESNT THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT NOT DO THE SAME AFTER THE ELECTIONS IN NOVEMBER? WHO IS THE GENERAL TRYING TO LECTURE? THE ELECTION MONTH IN THE US IS NOVEMBER, THE INAUGURATION MONTH IS JANUARY 26. THERE IS NEARLY A HREE MONTH GAP, AN IN EVERY FIVE YEARS WHEN AN AMERICAN SITTING PRESIDENT FACES REELECTION AND WINS, HE WEARS TWO HATS.. IN NOVEMBER, AN AMRICAN HEAD OF STATE WHO HAS BEEN REELECTED WILL PERFORM WHATEVER STATE FUNCTIONS HE IS CALLED TO PERFORM BEFORE HIS INAUGURATION THE FOLLOWING JANUARY. WE SHOULD NOT TRIVIALIZE THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT FOR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY….
@Chile, have you noticed how the Gen Miyanda always fails/ignores to respond to posts that completely guts his arguments and “Constitutional bravado”? Every time someone tells him the truth, you will NEVER see him respond. He only jumps to comments that re-enforces his ego and misguided notion that he is always right. In Psychology we call that NARCISSISM!
@Chile…
What you have written here is exactly what the Zambian Constitution says and was intended to operate. Anything else is academic chatter.
To think that all those people who sat in Constitution Commission after Constitution Commission to finally come up with our current Constitution were all so negligent as to leave such a gaping hole (VACUUM IN THE PRESIDENCY) in our Constitution is at best laughable and at worst cynical. What if the Incumbent President did not run/participate in these elections and still have a Petition going, would Gen. Miyanda (and people like him) have the same misgivings concerning the incumbent performing Presidential duties, as prescribed by the Constitution, during this period?
Like you have ably put it, in the Zambian Constitution there is no such thing as OUT-GOING PRESIDENT. There is only an INCUMBENT and PRESIDENT-ELECT. If the Incumbent is at the same time the President-elect, he wears “two huts” until he FRESHLY sworn in again at inauguration day. In the interim, he still performs executive duties as per the Constitutions. Even ordering men and women in uniform (the military) to go to war if the Security of the Country is threatened during the Petition period. When a re-run is ordered by the Constitution Court, in those thirty (30) days it has to take place and concluded, the Constitution is very clear on that too. Only people bent on misleading themselves and others want to COMPLICATE this issue for GOD KNOWS WHAT!
A lot of people without opinionated mind enjoys and learns from your articles, and provides alternative information to one sided stories by the Government controlled media houses. I was just wondering if the President got back to you since the President elect gave some time before signing the constitution and reasons cited was to give considerations to issues raised by stakeholders specifically mentioning the concerns raised by yourself. If this constitution was not signed by this time the Government of the day would have been fully functional and no anxiety created by the act of waiting for hearing of the petitions. This might be not be a big issue now but in future elections the 14 days wait can have big ramifications on the formation of the next Government, since the system…
@42 31st October 1991: 1. He never got back to me nor responded; it was just a public relations exercise on TV. He actually gave the reason for delaying signing which was that he had received a petition from the former VP (me); he never mentioned any body on that occasion when receiving the Bills from the Clerk of National Assembly. Although he did not answer me directly I wrote him a letter to thank him for acknowledging my petition publicly and gave him additional contact details, indicating that I was ready to see him if he chose so and suggested that he could include other people because there were several issues about the Constitution. Any way that is history now and it matters not as it is water under the bridge///.
@ ALL: thank you for the interaction. Sorry for those I did not respond to, mostly bcoz they were out of topic, personal or simply anti-social. I enjoyed the rest . Am done till another day, gunite all///
Okay tata mulale bwino! Hope ifipu tafyamisume kikikikiki
Help Mrs Miyanda run the Orphanage in Kabwata. It will probably be more helpful to your life and not pretend to be in the know about everything and morally better than others.
General
Would like to read your op ed on freedom pf the press in Zambia and the press’s role in our developmental agenda, Mmembe’s role, whether the freedom of expression includes freedom to mis-misreport of misrepresent issues. Where 90% of one newspapers editorials should be directed at one individual (The Goebbels doctrine – the Bigger the lie, the more people are likely to believe it). Is the Zambian press informative? From where I sit, it is very difficult to believe anything printed in the local press without verifying it with several other sources. So Namwala was another /Goebbels Stunt?
Thanks General. Positive interaction, freedom of expression. Do not to relent to engage, it is educative
It has come too late…ECL is still going for the inauguration. Period! Waumfwa!
I have got a lot of respect for you General Miyanda. In the first place i would like to say most of the things you have said, i do not agree with them.
1. The media freedom – this issue has been the same during your MMD and all others up to PF rule. You should have said let is on a serious note revisit this issue. The public media has always been pro-government. You cannot deny that your own MMD was better.
2. Leadership vacuum – this is not true anywhere in the world. If the PF tenure ended on 13/05/2016, then who is leading the country. Are you telling us General that we should disregard the constitution which says the president remain in office upon dissolution of parliament? I think no that is not right.
3. Religious Ministry – an intention is not an act. During campaigns…
Useless general as usual
I have read General Miyanda’s article top to bottom line. General you have the ability to say things in such a clear and unassuming style that you come across as one way above an average mind. The whole PF propaganda machinery have read Goebbels’s strategy and to me and anyone with a clear conscience, the PF style is that of the NAZIS. I thought I was the only one dumbfounded by the behavior of these PF folks who seem to act as if there was no petition in courts to the point of sending subliminal messages to the psyche of the Zambian common mind that all is well and Lungu is president!.
General Miyanda has withered the storm of PF SS brown shirts and I give him credit for the candor, wits and guts. You just can’t take a thing away from him by calling him all sorts of unprintable…
Y0U ARE A MAN AND HALF.
THIS DOCUMENT IS PERFECTLY WRITTEN. THIS MAN NEVER JUST YAPS.
WHEN HE COMES IN….. YOU THE GENERAL IS NOW TALKING.
GENERAL I SALUTE YOU SIR. THESE ARE THE PIPO WHO SHOULD BE RULING.
I WOULD BE PROUD TO BE LED BY YOU.
VERY FEW PIPO UNDERSTAND YOU BECAUSE THEY HAVE LITTLE MINDS.
GENERAL ALA NAUSOSA. LIGHT CANT BE HIDDEN BY DARKNESS.
MAN OF GOD YOU HAVE SPOKEN. THEY THAT HAVE EARS HAVE HEARD.
BE BLESSED