Macky 2 released his latest video for the song “Nshaumfwapo So” that features K’millian .
BY KAPA187
Zambia Elections Information Centre Issues Statement on the Presidential Inauguration
Zambia Elections Information Centre Statement on the Presidential Inauguration
“The new government has a lot of work ahead of it, and should ensure that issues that came up during the elections are resolved.”
President Edgar C. Lungu was sworn in as President of Zambia yesterday, Tuesday, September 13, 2016. The Zambia Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) would like to take this opportunity to encourage the President and his government to resolve issues around accountability, media freedom, freedom of assembly, the referendum on the Bill of Rights, and women’s participation that arose during the electoral process.
Speaking after the inauguration ceremony, ZEIC Co-Chairperson, Chimfwembe Mweenge Kana, said that, “the next five years will be crucial for the country’s development. As ZEIC, we take this opportunity to encourage the President and his government to take up issues which are still pending from the last Cabinet and electoral period.” Mr Mweenge Kana added, “the new government has a lot of work ahead of it, and should ensure that issues that came up during the elections are resolved. This would help lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and peaceful Zambia.”
Ministers from the previous government paying back money owed
On August 8, 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled that Ministers and their deputies should have left office after the dissolution of Parliament, and that they should pay back all salaries and allowances that they had received between the date of the ruling, and the 12th of May, 2016 when Parliament was dissolved. Although the ruling was decisive, it will be up to the government to ensure that the judgement is enforced. To date, none of the public officials have returned the money owed. To have former public officials disregard a ruling of the highest court in the country would be to set a terrible precedent. The government should signal the end of impunity and make sure the respondents comply with the judgment. In addition, in a difficult economic environment, where the government will need to tighten its fiscal spending, it will be important for the government to demonstrate its commitment to responsible spending and good governance by recuperating these funds immediately.
Media freedom and freedom of assembly
As numerous electoral observation missions noted, although violence on election day was limited, the campaign period was marked by restrictions on media freedom and freedom of assembly. Strict interpretations of the Public Order Act made it difficult for opposition parties to gather without intimidation from the state security agencies. As regards media freedom, The Post, a private newspaper that has been critical of the ruling party was closed by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). In addition, it was observed that the public media privileged ruling party views and limited access to opposition parties. In addition, three broadcasting houses: Muvi TV, Ithezhi Thezhi Radio and Komboni Radio stations had their broadcasting licenses suspended by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) for having violated sections of the Broadcasting Act during their election coverage. While Ithezhi Thezhi and Muvi TV have subsequently re-opened, Komboni Radio remains closed. As a consequence, media institutions might be apprehensive about what might come next. As we noticed on our media platforms, Zambians enjoy engaging in spirited political debates. Therefore, we urge the President to take steps to ensure that media freedom is restored. Zambian democracy will only flourish in an environment where opposing opinions can be freely expressed and citizens are able to meet in an environment where their freedom of assembly will not be limited.
Failed referendum
The referendum held to enhance the Bill of Rights failed to pass because fewer than 50% of eligible voters voted ‘Yes.’ Several civil society organisations have called for a new referendum on the Bill of Rights to be held separately before the next general election in 2021. The process in which the referendum was organised had been criticized for not sufficiently protecting the content of the Bill of Rights as it moved through the various stages of being created. Further the timing was not ideal because there was not enough time to educate the general public about the contents of the Bill of Rights and the implications of accepting or rejecting the document. We encourage the President to begin the process of enacting a Bill of Rights anew, and to focus on creating a document through consensus, outside of the charged and partisan electoral process.
Women’s participation
The level of women’s participation in the election was disappointing as all the political parties failed to adopt at least 40% of female candidates, as they had promised. In particular, candidates were discouraged by the process of verifying their Grade 12 Certificates, and a large number dropped out during the nomination process. That said, Inonge Wina was elected as the first female vice-president and out of 106 female candidates, 26 were elected as Members of Parliament, up from 17 in the last Parliament. The President and his team should aim to increase the levels of female participation in government, especially in those positions where the President has the discretion to make his own appointments.
As the electoral process draws to a close, we would like to thank all the Zambian citizens who engaged with us on our various platforms. The level of engagement is an exciting indicator of the vibrancy of Zambian politics and bodes well for the country’s democratic future.
Police record zero-lawlessness during Presidential inauguration ceremony across the country
The Zambia Police Service says it recorded zero lawlessness during the inauguration ceremony across the country.
Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Mwata Katongo saying in a telephone interview in Lusaka yesterday that the inauguration ceremony was celebrated in a jubilant but peaceful manner.
Mrs Katongo expressed happiness at the way Zambians from different sectors of the society turned out in large numbers to celebrate the inauguration of President Lungu.
She has encouraged Zambians to continue live in peace and uphold the One Zambia One Nation motto.
She congratulated all officers across the country for the critical role played in maintaining peace before, during and after the inauguration ceremony./
This is despite the huge turnout of people across the country, she said.
Mrs. Katongo however said that only one case was reported at Heroes stadium yesterday when the stadium was full and couldn’t allow more people in to the stadium.
She added that there was a huge crowd outside the stadium which wanted to push its way into the already filled stadium which in turn resulted scuffles which however was contained by the police.
Mrs. Katongo urged Zambian to safe guard the peace which the country has enjoyed for the past 51 years since independence.
Kenyan Vice President donates to Kasisi orphanage in Lusaka
Kenyan Vice President William Ruto has donated US$5,000 to Kasisi Orphanage Foundation to help with the care of orphans.
ZANIS reports that Mr Ruto donated the money yesterday when he visited the orphanage in Kasisi in the outskirts of Lusaka before his departure to Kenya.
The Kenyan Vice President described Kasisi orphanage as his second home and pledged to continue helping the center whenever possible.
Mr Ruto said Kenya just like Zambia faces the same problem of Orphans and called on leaders to strive to ensure that Orphans are accorded a dignified life.
The Kenyan Vice President has since urged the community, non-governmental organizations and the International community to come to the aid of Orphans and complement government efforts of looking after vulnerable children.
Mr Ruto has donated US$25,000 to Kasisi orphanage in a space of two years after having donated US$20,000 in 2014 when he first visited the orphanage.
Meanwhile Kasisi Orphanage Foundation Sister In charge Mariola Mierrejewska is delighted that the Kenyan Leader has continued to support the Foundation.
The Kasisi orphanage Foundation which was founded in 1926 currently looks after about 250 orphaned children.
Stardy Mwale urges Civil servants to be loyal to the Government of the day
Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale says civil servants in the province need to be loyal to the government of the day.
Mr. Mwale said this is because any disloyalty among civil servants in the province will hamper government’s various developmental projects and their respective implimentations.
ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this during a luncheon held at provincial administration today to celebrate the victory and subsequent inauguration of President Edgar Lungu.
Now that elections are over, there is need to put the past behind and forge ahead and develop the province for the betterment of the country, he said.
Mr. Mwale further urged civil servants to always be punctual, impartial, respect one another, be accountable and observe confidentiality as they discharge their duties.
He further called for hard for work hard and avoid tribalism in the discharge of their duties but unite as one Zambia one nation.
Meanwhile, Mr Mwale said his administration is committed and dedicated to monitor and supervise the implementation of developmental projects.
He said for this reason the province has recorded a number of successes among them being the construction of thirty seven health posts ,implementation of social cash transfer, construction of chief’s palaces.
Mr. Mwale however expressed concern over the security in the province following the recent cases where houses, lodges and shops among other properties have been burnt down.
He has since called on the police to be vigilant to avoid further loss of property and appealed to members of the public to cooperate with the police as they investigate such matters.
Teachers Unions shut out DEBS office in Isoka District
Teachers Unions in Isoka District of Muchinga Province today shut the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) offices yesterday in protest against Kelby Chizyuka who has been resisting to vacate the office since being transferred .
The teachers’ Unions spokesperson Paul. Sakala has confirmed the development to ZANIS in Isoka today adding that the irate teachers decided to close DEBS office after the word went round Mrs Chizyuka was in the office.
He accused the former DEBS of demotivating teachers by tempering with their confidential files and sending unpleasant text messages.
Mr Sakala said the move is to force Mrs Chizyuka to vacate the office for the new DEBS was aimed at normalising the operations.
He added that even the preparations for Teachers Day have not kick started because Mrs Chizyuka has been not in good terms with them.
The four Teacher unions were, ZNUT ,SESTUZ,BETUZ and PROTUZ, respectively.
And when the Provincial Education officer Ruth Zulu was contacted for am comment she decline to say anything to the press.
National Assembly opens on September 23
Clerk of the National Assembly, Doris Mwinga has announced that the opening of the First Sitting of the First Session of the Twelfth National Assembly will take place on Friday next week.
Mrs Mwinga said the National Assembly will commence business on September 23,2016 following the issuance of Gazette Notice No. 591 by the Speaker Patrick Matibini.
She has since urged the Members of Parliament (MPs) to report to the National Assembly by September 18, 2016 for registration and orientation which will end on September 22, 2016.
This is according to a statement availed to the Zambia News and Information Service (ZANIS) in Lusaka today.
Austin Liato and other West PF losing candidates pledge support to President Lungu
Luampa constituency losing parliamentary candidate Josephine Limaata and her Mulobezi counterpart, Patricia Mulasikwanda, Kaoma Central’s Austin Liato and Taundi Chiseke for Mangango all pledged to support the ruling PF despite losing to opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) candidates in the August 11 polls.
Mrs. Limaata, who is former deputy minister in the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health, claimed that PF is still strong in Luampa district in particular and western province as a whole.
PF Mulobezi constituency losing parliamentary candidate Patricia Mulasikwanda said she will work hard to ‘clump down’ UPND structures in the area.
Mr. Taundi Chiseke who contested the Mangango parliamentary seat said he narrowly lost to the opposition but warned that he would work harder to unseat his opponent in 2021.
Kaoma Central constituency’s Austin Liato said he would strengthen the ruling party structures in the area.
ZANIS reports that the quartet said this in separate interviews on the side lines of the inauguration ceremony of President Edgar Lungu and Vice President Inonge Wina at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
“We lost the 2016 parliamentary seats but even though that is the case, we remain loyal to President Lungu and the PF party beyond 2016,” said limata.
The quartet commended government for taking developmental projects to western province, stressing that the region has equally benefited from the national cake as evidenced by infrastructure projects undertaken in the area such as roads, schools, health posts among others.
Yesterday, Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima swore-in President elect -Edgar Lungu and his running-mate Inonge Wina as President and Vice President, after a court bid by opposition UPND leader Hakiande Hichilema contesting results of the August 11 polls was thrown out by the constitutional court.
President Lungu names part of his Cabinet, Felix Mutati is the new Finance Minister
President Edgar Lungu has appointed former commerce minister in MMD administration Felix Mutati as Minister of Finance,
President Lungu has appointed Mr Mutati as Finance minister as part of his new cabinet which has also included the appointment of provincial ministers in the 10 provinces of the country.
Mr. Lungu has also nominated eight Members of Parliament (MPs) and subsequently appointed as Cabinet and Provincial Ministers.
Mr. Lungu appointed the MPs in pursuant to Article 116 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, whilst the nominated MPs have been appointed pursuant to Article 69.
The Head of State announced this in a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka this evening by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda
Mr. Lungu said the appointments are with immediate effect and they would be sworn-in at state House on Thursday, September 15, 2015.
According to the Statement , the Republican President has re-appointed Margaret Mwanakatwe (MP) as the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry while Bahati re-elected MP Harry Kalaba has returned his substantive post as minister of Foreign Affairs.
PF Mansa Central (MP) Chitalu Chilufya is the new minister of Health while Steven Kampyongo has been moved to Minister of Home Affairs.
Former State House Special assistant to the President for project implementation, Lucky Mulusa (Nominated MP) is the new Minister of National Development Planning .
He takes over from Inonge Wina who is newly elected Republican Vice President.
New entrants in cabinet are PF secretary general Davis Chama Nominated MP) who is Minister of Defence taking over from former Siavonga MP Richwell Siamunene.
Renown Unionist Joyce Nonde-Simukoko (Nominated MP) has been appointed Minister of Labour and Social Security .
At Provincial level, Mr. Sydney Mushanga, (MP), who was education deputy minister goes to Central Province as Provincial Minister, while Nixon Chilangwa, (MP) is Luapula Province Minister.
Mr. Malozo Sichone, (MP) who was Eastern Province minister has been moved to Muchinga Province while Nathaniel Mubukwanu (Nominated MP) moves to Western Province.
Outspoken Bowman Lusambo, is Copperbelt province, Mporokoso Brian Mundubile, (MP), ( is the minister for Northern province; MP Makebi Zulu is eastern province minister, while former Zambia’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Chongwe MP Japhen Mwakalombe is the new Lusaka Province Minister;
In North-Western Province, the Head of State has appointed Richard Kapita (Nominated MP) while musician Edify Hamukale (Nominated MP) goes to Southern province.
The following are the appointments, which take immediate effect after the swearing-in ceremony at State House on Thursday, September 15, 2015 2016:
(1) Hon. Davis Chama, (MP):
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (Nominated);
(2) Hon. Felix Mutati, (MP):
MINISTER OF FINANCE (Nominated);
(3) Hon. Steven Kampyongo(MP):
MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS;
(4) Hon. Harry Kalaba (MP):
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS;
(5) Hon. Lucky Mulusa (MP):
MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTPLANNING (Nominated);
(6) Hon. Chitalu Chilufya, (MP)
MINISTER OF HEALTH;
(7) Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMERCE, TRADAND INDUSTRY
(8) Hon. Joyce Nonde-Simukoko(MP):
MINISTER OF LABOUR & SOCIAL SECURITY (Nominated).
The elected MPs who have been appointed as Provincial Ministers under Article 117 (1) and Article 69 for those nominated are as follows:
(1) Hon. Sydney Mushanga,
(MP) – CENTRAL PROVINCE;
(2) Hon. Bowman Lusambo,
(MP)-COPPERBELT PROVINCE;
(3) Hon. Nixon Chilangwa,
(MP) – LUAPULA PROVINCE;
(4) Hon. Malozo Sichone,
(MP) – MUCHINGA PROVINCE;
(5) Hon. Brian Mundubile,
(MP) – NORTHERN PROVINCE;
(6) Hon. Makebi Zulu,
(MP) – EASTERN PROVINCE;
(7) Hon.Japhen Mwakalombe
(MP)- LUSAKA PROVINCE;
(8) Hon. Richard Kapita
(MP) – NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE (Nominated);
(9) Hon. Edify Hamukale
(MP)- SOUTHERN PROVINCE (Nominated)
(10) Hon. Nathaniel Mubukwanu
(MP) – WESTERN PROVINCE (Nominated).
The swearing in ceremony of the Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Ministers will take place tomorrow (Thursday, 15th September, 2016) at State House at 09:00 hours. The Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Ministers are expected to be seated by 08:00 hours.
Meanwhile, the President has appointed former Home Affairs Minister Mr Davies Mwila as Secretary General of the Patriotic Front taking over from Mr Davies Chama who has been reassigned as Defence Minister.
President Lungu not sure about how Ministers to appoint, says new constitution is not clear
President Edgar Lungu has said that he does not know whether he is supposed to appoint 30 Ministers or 40 Ministers.
Speaking today when he held a caucus meeting with all the 80 Patriotic Front Members of Parliament at state house in Lusaka ahead of the commencement of the First session of the 12th National Assembly, President Lungu said some clauses of the constitution provides that only 30 Ministers can be appointed while other clauses provides otherwise hence the need for proper interpretation before making appointments.
He noted that the Constitutional Court still has a lot of work to do in order to interpret the constitution on the appointment of Cabinet and province Ministers.
“I don’t know how many of you have read they constitution, that document still remains challenging for many of us, for example I don’t know whether I am supposed to appoint 30 Ministers or 40 Ministers because in one part the constitution says there shall be provincial Ministers without specifying the number and that’s a stand-alone clause, ” he pointed out.
“The other clause says I can appoint up to 30 Ministers. I will interpret the law the way I understand it, of course with support from state house staff and the chambers of the attorney General, ” addede President Lungu.
“So you can help us as you go to parliament to fine tune some of these loose constitution provisions so that we can come up with a coherent document for an ordinary man on the street. But for me I understand the constitution that I can appoint up to thirty cabinet and provincial Ministers and cabinet is defined but I am luck that there is an overlap that I can invite people to cabinet so I will be inviting provincial Ministers to come and sit in cabinet with us,” he stated.
The head of state also disclosed that he is still studying the provision of the constitution on the appointment of Ministers.
And President Lungu urged the PF MPs to read and understand the Zambian constitution before going to parliament because the amended document has a number of new articles that need comprehension.
The President said the purpose of the caucus meeting was to ensure that PF MPs blend and interact before going to parliament.
The Head of State told PF MPs that the Zambian people who elected them expect their representatives to engage in exiting and intellectual debate on policy issues in parliament because all the elected law makers are holders of a minimum of grade 12 certificate with the ability to articulate issues.
The President told his MPs that the decision to appoint any member to a ministerial position is his preserve and urged them those that will be lucky to be appointed to ensure that they discharge the duties diligently.
President Lungu disclosed that he has received application from all the MPs for consideration into his cabinet but said no one is guaranteed to be appointed into cabinet because it is his preserve to appoint those that merit the appointment.
“The President decides who he wants to give the opportunity to be in the cabinet, it is his privilege. I have to make this very clear, no one has the right to insist that he or she has to be Minister. The president in his own discretion may call upon you but if you don’t want to serve, you can decline but those who will be called to serve please, do with the best of your ability.
He said MPs who want to come back in 2021 should work very hard and deliver to the electorate while those that want to retire after their tenure of office should ensure they deliver so that they retire with dignity.
The National Assemble has since announced that Parliament will on 23 September commence the first session of the twelfth National Assembly following the election of members of Parliament in the just ended general elections.
Mbesuma scores for new club
Collins Mbesuma opened his account on his first day on the job on Tuesday to lead his new club Highlands Park to victory.
Mbesuma, who missed Zambia’s 1-1 home draw against Kenya on September 4 due to suspension, scored the equalizer for Highlands in the 31st minute in a 2-1 home win over Baroka FC.
The two sides went 1-1 into the break before Mbesuma was substituted in stoppage time.
PF MCC member attacks the two Constitutional Court Judges for extending the 14 days
By Paul Moonga
The Author is the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Central Committee (MCC)
Following the Presidential and general elections held on 11th August, 2016 which were eventually scooped by President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Hakainde Hichilema filed a petition in the Constitutional Court challenging that election.
In the weeks that followed, the country has witnessed one of the most heartbreaking political developments in relation to the conduct of the Constitutional Court and that of public officials who have influence on our national affairs.
This country witnessed very unpredictable legal trajectories of all times and I feel duty-bound, compelled and attracted to give views of our party, the PF.
Of utmost interest in this matter is the strange position that was taken by the president of the Constitutional Court, Ms Justice Hildah Chibomba to award four extra days to the two parties after the expiry of the 14 days provided by the constitution.
This legal contest was only served with the split decisions offered by Judge Palan Mulonda, Judge Mungeni Mulenga and Judge Ann Sitali while the president of the court, Madam Chibomba and Margaret Munalula held that the court needed to extend the time of hearing outside what the constituition provided.
The extension was clearly illegal, illogical and irregular and contravened Article 101(5) and 269(a).
I want to insist that the position taken by the judge president and Madam professor Mulalula was very strange because the provisions of the constitution are very clear that the petition should be heard and determined in 14 days. By the events of Friday last week, when the Constitutional Court passed that verdict to allow Mr Hichilema’s petition to be heard out of time, contrary to the provisions of the Constitution there was a covert attempt to rape and annihilate the law of the land.
We are aware as a party that Mr Hichilema told the nation in the aftermath of that strange ruling that “the Constitution only stated that the presidential election petition must be heard within 14 days.
He argued that the constitution did not provide that the petition must be heard and determined within 14 days. The catch words, according to him, is that to be “heard and determined.”
We find this argument very disgusting and tiresome to say the least. I am raising this matter just in case Judge Chibomba and Ms Justice Munalula may have been influenced by this flawed thinking.
I have a question for the two judges. When judges are confronted with such a situation, what factors are they supposed to consider? I am not a lawyer myself but I am advised that judges confronted with a situation like this are supposed to employ the mischief rule in arriving at a decision. What mischief were the people of Zambia trying to cure when they came up with such a provision in our constitution?
Clearly, the mischief the people of Zambia sought to cure was the avoidance of unnecessary delays in disposing off the presidential election petition thereby disadvantaging the winning president from taking office. So I wonder what authority the Constitutional Court president Judge and Madam Munalula used to pass that most frivolous ruling in the judicial practice of our country?
I smell a rat in that conduct and it is clear that Madam Chibomba and Madam Munalula did not mean well in advancing that ruling. The ruling was meant to favour UPND candidate Hakainde Hichilema even when they knew that he deliberately caused delays to the petition hearing owing to the lack of evidence that could have caused the nullification of the election of President Lungu. The delays through baseless applications were meant to buy time and make up for the absence of evidence to buttress their case.
I am therefore compelled to demand that Ms Justice Chibomba and professor Munalula should immediately resign from their positions as Judges of the Constitutional court to pave way for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to probe their conduct.
As a party, we are not convinced that Madam Chibomba and Munalula’s conduct was a mere legal mistake. We believe that this was a planned action influenced by the desire to pass a verdict in favour of Mr Hichilema and the UPND.
We do not expect a legal brain at the caliber of Madam Chibomba and professor Munalula to lack the necessary knowledge to understand the provisions of the constitution. We think they were being mischievous and played naivity with a very sensitive matter in the legal and political life of our country. That action is inexcusable and they must resign to save the collapse of our judiciary.
HH and his politics
In addition, it is observable that UPND president HH has been the most tribal politician. We should not blame the people of southern province for voting in the manner they did. This is the massage Mr Hichilame has been promoting in his campaigns and this has reflected in the events after the announcement of the election results.
His boastful message that he is the only one who can fix the economy to the exclusion of all other Zambians is a demonstration of selfsihness. It must be noted that Mr Hichilema was a nonbody before privatization of the Mines of this country and earned money when he was given consultancy to spearhead the privatization of the mines.
There are several people who became overnight millionairs after privatization but have kept quiet and never talk about their riches.
So Mr Hichilema should avoid boasting to Zambians that he alone can fix the economy.
Lastly, we wish to thank the people of Zambia for coming out in large numbers to prevent Mr Hichilema from coming to power.
President Lungu likes to consult and brings everyone on board unlike leaders who believe that only they can fix the economy. The President’s decision to create the Ministry of Religious Affairs will help bridge the gap between the people and his government.
Guests complains as chaos mars Heroes Stadium and State House events
Several guests complained of poor organisation at Tuesday’s state functions to celebrate the inauguration of President Edgar Lungu and Vice President Inonge Wina.
At Heroes Stadium, teargas was fired to keep people away from the main entrance after the stadium was filled up leaving hundreds stranded outside.
Security was tight and people had their water bottles confiscated by uncompromising police officers manning the gates.
Some guests especially the elderly who had walked long distances complained of thirst as no water was offered to them throughout the entire process of the ceremony.
At the state luncheon held at State House, the situation was even worse as a number of guests with valid invitation cards were turned away at the gate after the venue was full.
A number of dignitaries were heard complaining outside the gate after they were refused entry into State House.
Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele had to call State House Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda to help facilitate his entry into State House.
A number of elderly citizen were pushed and shoved around in the queue by overpowering PF cadres and ended up leaving in frustration.
State House security said they were only allowed to admit 2,000 guests for the luncheon but that the number of people turning up with invitation cards surpassed that number.
A lot of guests were denied food and drinks as party cadres took over the serving area.
Mr Chanda was heard apologising to a number of guests as he continued trooping to and from the gate to rescue some high profile guests who were stranded at the gate.
President Lungu and Inonge Wina Inauguration in Pictures
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Heroes stadium inauguration event was costly-Savior Chishimba
United Progressive Party President Savior Chishimba says his party refused to attend Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony in order to register its concern over the huge amount of public funds that the PF Government spent organising the event.
Dr Chishimba said the swearing in ceremony was the most glamorous, superfluous and costly since independence.
He said flat screen TVs have been mounted across the country and that jet fuel has been purchased not to mention fuel for military trucks and GRZ vehicles, military hardware has also been moved to Heroes Stadium which had been the case everyday over the past seven days of rehearsals.
Dr Chishimba observed that battalions of Zambia Army, Zambia Police, Zambia National Service and Zambia Air Force have been ferried at a great cost to simply go and march and fly past the President.
“Hire of entertainment groups and the hosting of a state banquette are just some of the costs. Compare this with the swearing in function of an American President and you will discover that the USA, as rich as it, does not spend millions of dollars on such a ceremony,” Dr Chishimba said.
“President Kaunda never spent such amounts. President Chiluba was sworn-in at a simple one-hour ceremony at the Supreme Court in 1991 and 1996. President Mwanawasa was first sworn-in at the Supreme Court in 2001/02, and then at Parliament Buildings in 2006 and this became the smallest ceremony ever. President Banda was sworn-in at Parliament Buildings in 2008. President Sata equally refused to be sworn-in at the show grounds to reduce costs and he chose to be sworn-in at the Supreme Court.”
“To our dismay, the PF-MMD, under Mr. Edgar Lungu has since 2015 entertained wasteful and unjustifiable public expenditure on a simple exercise of taking the oath of office,” he said.
Dr Chishimba said the country is faced with the repayment of US$9.75 billion public debt that the PF has contracted over the past five years.
“Other issues include the challenge of job creation for the youth, achieving universal access to healthcare and education to over 15 million Zambians, and solving the energy crisis etc.”
“We are aware in the UPP that the PF is now set to do what they wanted to in December 2015, but prevaricated for election purposes. They now want to increase electricity tariffs by 300%, fuel by 50% as well as remove subsidies on agriculture and this will push the price of mealie meal by over 100%.”
He stated, “A wage freeze for civil servants, defence and security personnel is imminent – it’s back to business as usual “let the civil servants and the people sacrifice as the leaders enjoy”. When I resigned as MP (3 weeks before millions of midterm gratuities were paid), I categorically refused to be part of a leadership that cares for its pockets and stomachs on the sweat and blood of Zambians.”
He said today, Zambia has seen the majority of the same people recycled back into government.
“The period of dancing and vote buying, as we saw during the elections, is over today and it’s back to reality in our individual homes. It’s no longer about who won the election and how he won or who lost and why he lost, it’s about the issues that are before all of us as Zambians. If there was electoral fraud, as we know it those of us with evidence, we shall leave it to God to judge.”
Dr Chishimba said the next five-year period under the PF-MMD is a worrisome one going by the way profligate spending is being witnessed today over an ordinary exercise of oath of office administration.
“African leaders must mature and put their people first by focussing on priorities with an understanding that it’s not the size of a ceremony that makes a great president but the number of lives that are transformed by a President.”