A New Dawn Has Come – HH
A NEW DAWN HAS COME
Fellow countrymen and women;
The past two weeks have not been easy for our country. We lost our President His Excellency Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata (MHSRIP) on 28th October 2014. Nonetheless, we should take pride in the way have come together peacefully to mourn the passing of our President.
I am very proud as a Zambian, that during this period we held onto our culture and the peace which we have always enjoyed. Of course there were some unsavory incidences but these were largely isolated. Indeed, we have put our late President to rest with the honour and dignity he deserved.
But it should not be only in difficult times that we come together as a nation, but at all times. It is only by moving forward in unity that real progress may be made.
Once more, our country is at a crossroads. This is not a time to be driven purely by emotion and sentiment. This, for us, must be a time for deep introspection and reflection. How do we move our country forward? How do we enter the next 50 years of our nationhood? As we approach the Presidential by-election we, the UPND, appeal to the nation to move forward together in harmony, respect and common brotherly spirit.
We have made history by being alive at a time when our country has attained 50 years of Independence, our golden jubilee. God has blessed Zambia with abundant resources, but we have not been fulfilling our potential due to poor Governance and management which could optimize these resources for everyone’s benefit.
I agree, our 50 years journey has not been an easy one. It has been full of hardships. Many of us have experienced and are still experiencing these hardships on a personal level. Our unemployment rate remains abnormally high. Maternal and infant mortality remain extremely high, 50 years after independence. And we are still struggling to make significant gains in governance and democracy. Now is the time to stop dragging our feet and getting distracted by infighting that not only hurts us, but also hurts our children and future generations. Now is the time for Zambia to once again unite as one and fulfill our potential in a new dawn that will bring jobs, improved education systems and develop better health care facilities. Despite these present hardships, we have every reason to be hopeful. When I look to the future, I see hope, I see prosperity for our country.
I draw my hope from the unique endowment of our country. Sixty eight percent of our land is arable and good for agriculture. We have untapped mineral resources. We hold almost 40 percent of all fresh water in Southern Africa and our climate is among the best in the world. Young people make up 55 percent of our population and majority of our people are hard working and very honest. We do not shy away from entrepreneurship. We are among the most hospitable countries in the world. This is what we are blessed with as a nation.
But to build a better Zambia depends on the decisions we make henceforth. It is our responsibility, you and me, to take our country forward. Our founding fathers and mothers brought us political freedom. Now it is time for us to bring economic emancipation for the present and for posterity.
It is time to strengthen our economy to allow for job creation, stable prices and wealth redistribution. We can only do this through prudent economic management. We need a strong and stable economy to support our middle class and SMEs which are basically struggling for survival. The middle class and SMEs are key to economic growth. We must support our economic development with a strong agriculture sector, free appropriate and good quality education, and quality healthcare.
We must build on the foundation that our past leaders and generations have built. You as an individual can do this firstly by participating in the upcoming election.
This is not time to be driven by sectoral and partisan interests but the common good. Those that are putting themselves forward in this election must be looked at critically, by voters, their abilities to deliver and capacity to hold this high office.
Voters must ask the questions and the candidates must answer. This is the spirit of democracy. The man or woman who the people of Zambia will choose shall become the custodian of the hopes and aspirations of thirteen million Zambians for the next two years. His or her decisions will affect our lives for many years to come and the lives of our children and their children’s children.
We must continue with the infrastructure development but at an accelerated pace. Infrastructure is the conduit for economic development. I have always maintained that where a good road goes, development goes. Nonetheless, infrastructure development must be done in such a manner that it does not hurt economic fundamentals. We must increase our revenue collection capacity to fund our infrastructure as opposed to borrowing expensive money. And in some cases we must partner with the private sector (Private Public Partnerships) so as to reduce pressure on the public purse.
Brothers and sisters, there is no better moment than this, for us all to realize the importance of a people driven constitution. If our constitution allowed for a running mate, the expense of a Presidential by-election would have been avoided all together. It is simply mind boggling that we must hold three Presidential elections within a space of six years. It is time we stopped playing games with the people’s aspirations and give them what they want. As UPND, we will not waste time in delivering a new constitution.
Lastly, I call upon my fellow politicians that we continue to restrain ourselves. We should put our country Zambia above our personal interests. Politics is just a competition to serve and, as in any competition, there will always be winners and losers. Let political parties adhere to the rules stipulated in their constitutions in choosing their candidates for the upcoming elections. This is the only way to avoid anarchy. Above all, let us observe the rule of law at all times.
Let us take Zambia forward.
I thank you and once again may the soul of the late President, Michael Chilufya Sata, rest in eternal peace.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
Ex-Nkana official “Don King” Mwanza dies
Nkana life member and ex-club vice chairman Simon “Don King” Mwanza has died.
He was 65 years old.
Nkana secretary Ken Mwansa said Mwanza died in Kitwe on Monday after an illness.
He served as Nkana vice chairman in the 1980s.
“We have lost a dedicated man” Mwansa said.
Mwanza is expected to be put to rest on Thursday.
He was a common feature at Nkana Stadium whenever Kalampa were in action.
Evans Kangwa joins camp
Israel based striker Evans Kangwa has joined the Chipolopolo squad that has camped in Lusaka to prepare for Saturday’s 2015 Africa Cup qualifier against Mozambique set for Maputo.
Kangwa from Israeli club Hapoel Ran’ana arrived in the country on Tuesday afternoon together his club mate and defender Emmanuel Mbola.
Kangwa and Mbola brought the number of foreign-based players in camp to nine prior to Thursday’s departure for Maputo.
Others already in camp are keeper Kennedy Mweene, striker Emmanuel Mayuka, midfielder Chisamba Lungu, striker James Chamanga, defender Davies Nkausu, defender Aaron Katebe and winger Lubambo Musonda.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo resumes training on Wednesday after a day off as a mark of respect for President Michael Sata who was put to rest on Tuesday.
We have credible Information that RB has intensified his come back efforts-Bowman Lusambo
YOUTHS SHOULD REJECT RUPIAH BANDA
As the nation puts to rest His Excellency Michael Chilufya Sata, we wish to alert the nation that some old and retired politicians are working tirelessly to position themselves for the presidential by election.
We have credible information that former President Rupiah Banda has intensified his efforts to woo support from several stakeholders towards his bid to return to politics.
Mr Banda is on Tuesday evening set to meet several chiefs and other traditional leaders with the intention to convenience them to support is ill intentioned moves to return to active politics.
The Chiefs and traditional leaders who are in Lusaka attending the funeral of late President Sata have been invited to Mr Banda’s residence where they will asked to support his candidature.
It should be stated that Mr Banda has a democratic right to pursue his political interests at an individual or national levels.
But we also firmly believe that Mr Banda’s return to politics is bad for Zambian politics and does not promote the growth of our democracy.
Instead of converging around Mr Banda, well-meaning Zambians should encourage Mr Banda to focus on his role as a statesman and advisor to the nation.
We ask, in whose interest is Mr Banda’s return to politics? Are the Chiefs serving the interests of their subjects by attending Mr Banda’s clandestine meeting?
At the Heroes National Stadium during the requiem mass, it was pleasant to see Mr Banda warmly chatting with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. We however wish to advise Mr Banda that he should realize that the region has moved on and the majority of leaders are now young and vibrant.
Mr Banda should take time to consult the young Kenyatta how is father Jomo led the way for young politics in Kenya until his death in 1978.
The fact is Mr Banda abandoned MMD shortly after losing power in 2011 at a time when the MMD needed him most.
The party faced a lot of challenges and its leaders were persecuted and it almost got deregistered but Mr Banda offered little or no help.
As loyal members, our memories are still fresh of the efforts by gallant members such as late Vice President George Kunda who challenged the deregistration process of the MMD in the courts of law. We also remember that as Mr Kunda was running up and down to the High Court, Mr Banda was away enjoying his coffee in Boston as a Guest Lecturer.
If he chooses to return to politics, Mr Banda will have the dishonor of having Robert Mugabe as the only age mate in active politics in the region.
The questions should be answered honestly if we are to reach consensus on whether Mr Banda should be accepted back in mainstream politics.
Moreover, Mr Banda’s return to politics is an exercise in futility because he does not even have a party ticket. MMD currently has a leader in Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba.
These intentions by Mr Banda and his supporters smacks of greed and self-centeredness because this is the same Mr Banda who went about saying that it was not him who lost in 2011 but that it was the MMD that lost.
So we challenge him to prove his perceived popularity by forming his own political party or reviving the old UNIP.
The year 2014 is a unique opportunity for young Zambians to stand and be counted on the nation’s quest for brand new leadership.
This year Zambia has entered a new Jubilee after 50 years of self-rule. The death of Mr Sata also marks the end of the old generation leadership in Zambia.
Issued by: Bowman Lusambo-MMD National Youth Coordinator
11/11/14
Tribute to Michael Sata:Lost to us a Legendary Politician
By Hjoe Moono
Michael Sata: Lost to us a Legendary Politician
I saw from afar the procession leading to the final resting place of Zambia’s fifth president, Michael Charles Katongo Chilufya Sata. For a while, my humanity took over, and shed a tear for a man who though I briefly knew in person, whose policy work I have in the past heavily criticized.
Today, as a Zambian, I offer my eulogy to a statesman at his passing.
As he was being put to rest in a manner befitting a man of his stature, I couldn’t help but marvel and shed a tear of admiration for a man who lived life to the fullest, a man who set goals above mediocre, a man whose personal aims, convictions and beliefs became the aims, convictions and beliefs of a nation. In Sata, we all see, and have lived to see, a man whose ambitions are bigger than life itself, a man unmoved and unyielding in his work and aims. Until it came to pass, a man that worked day and night to nurture, invent, re-invent and innovate ways of politics in modern day Africa.
I remember lining up along roads leading to Lusaka Remand Prison, AKA Chimbokaila where he had spent 40 days and 40 nights of incarceration under the MMD regime. On his release, I saw a man with a full grown white beard, gallantly flashing the PF symbol. And like Christ after his temptations, Sata was unstoppable after his prison stint. Indeed, what kind of man was he? Yes, many of us did not believe in his work, but surely, it would be a lie that we did not secretly admire his approach and resolve in attaining his aims.
I met him once at Rhodes House when I was a student at Oxford University. I remember chatting briefly, and his asking who I was and what I was doing. I never got to know him more beyond that, and never saw him again, bet I won’t, not on this earth.
I can confidently say that most, if not all of our people, the Zambian people loved their president. His strong yet kindly nature and lovable traits of character and his amiable consideration for all who believed in him will long be in the minds and hearts of his countrymen. They will certainly be in mine and the family of the Hjoe Moono. Mr. Sata dearly loved his countrymen in return with such patriotism and unselfishness that in the hour of their grief and humiliation, when rumours of his death circulated, he jokingly said: I have died many times. I guess, staunch catholic he was, he would also say unto them privy to his privacy when in grief that: “If it is God’s will; I am content.” Indeed, content he must have been, for he had lived life to the full.
For me and mine, and I guess for many Zambians too, if there is a lesson in the passing of Mr. Sata, let it be taught to those who still live and have the destiny of this great country Zambia in their keeping. These may be the current leaders in the PF or indeed those in the opposition. That lesson should, among others, be selflessness, motivation and uncompromising determination in the attainment of society goals. That we shouldn’t settle for mediocre outcomes even when the tide is heavy against us. That we should, like a bull, face our challenges head on with all our might until our last breath. Mr. Sata worked himself until the last day, unyielding to calls to step down. I guess there is a lesson here: Never settle, keep moving, keep aiming, keep working!
Let us therefore, furthermore, then, as our dear leader is buried and out of our sight, seek for the lessons that may be suggested by the life of Mr. Sata. The man, Mr. Sata, who is today put to rest and has been universally mourned the past weeks achieved probably the highest distinction which his great country can confer on any man, and he lived a useful life. While not probably the most highly educated, he was not deficient in education either. But with all you will hear of his grand and celebrated career, and of his services to his country and his fellow citizens, you will not hear that either the high place he reached or what he accomplished was due entirely to his education. No. He was a man of action, not of papers!
Make no mistake. Mr.Sata was a most distinguished man, a great man, a useful man—who became distinguished, great and useful because he had, and retained unimpaired, the qualities of heart which I fear most of his followers sometimes feel like keeping in the background or abandoning. I pray that as we reflect on his life, especially those in the patriotic front, that we do not betray his beliefs, aims, teachings and priorities in his death. The lessons to learn from Mr. Sata are neither obscure nor difficult. They teach the value of mental dedication and training and perseverance, but they teach more impressively that the road to usefulness and to the only success worth having, will be missed or lost except it is sought and kept by the light of those qualities of heart—of selflessness, giving up all for the greater all of society of our nation, Zambia.
With our leader’s passing, we cannot all refuse to join in the battle against the tendencies of anarchy. Anarchy should not be tolerated by all peace loving Zambians. And by the memory of our departed president, let us resolve to cultivate and preserve the qualities that made him great and useful; and let us determine to meet the call of patriotic duty in every time of our country’s need.
Farewell, your Excellency. From the grimiest of places you made it great and became the great among the greatest. Soon, the years slowly draw on us when your name shall be counted among the illustrious of the great nation of Zambia.
Lost to us, but not to his God. Lost from Earth, but entered heaven. Lost from all the labours, toils and perils, but entered into the everlasting peace and ever- advancing progress. Blessed be God, who gives us hope in this hour of pain and mourning and enables us to triumph, through him who hath redeemed us.
Rest in Eternal Peace, Your Excellency, Micheal Chilufya Charles Katongo Sata.
UPND kicks off presidential by election campaigns today
Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that his party will kick of campaigns for the presidential by election today, Wednesday, November 12 2014.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND is in a hurry to convince Zambians that it has the best policies to take the nation forward.
He said the UPND does not have time to waste and will start going round the country to sell its manifesto.
“Our message is clear, Zambia deserves quality leadership and that is what we are putting on the table. Our job is to go out and convince the Zambians. We don’t have a lot of time and we are starting now to talk to the people,” Mr Hichilema said.
He said the UPND is now focusing on mobilizing the support from Zambians in all regions ahead of the by election.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND is ready to form the next government.
“We have to move on as a nation. Late President Sata did his best and we have to carry on and move this country forward,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said the UPND’s main occupation when in government is to deliver a people driven constitution.
“Now that the draft is out, passing this constitution should not be a problem. Zambia would have avoided this costly presidential by election if late President Sata and the PF had passed a new constitution which could have given us a running mate,” he said.
Zambian diplomats in New York witness UN flag lowering procession
Zambian diplomats accredited to the United Nations today attended a solemn procession of lowering the UN flag to half-mast in honour of the late President Michael Sata.
UN Mission Charge D’Affaires Christine Kalamwina led the diplomatic community at the ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York at about 07:30 Eastern Standard Time, about 2:30 pm central African time, as the Zambian leader was being put to rest in the capital, Lusaka.
This is contained in statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Permanent of Zambia to the United Nations (UN) Chibaula Silwamba.
Mr. Silwamba said the UN security and safety service personnel and Zambia’s Military Adviser Brig. Gen. Erick Mwewa saluted the departed Commander-In-Chief during the sombre procession.
He said the UN flag was lowered to half-mast at all its offices across the globe.
He said flags of Zambia and 192 other member states did not fly at UN, a symbol of respect to the late President Sata who died on October 28, 2014.
Mr. Silwamba said after the ceremony, Ms. Kalamwina commended the United Nations and the international community at large for according the late President Sata a befitting send-off and comforting Zambians during the time of sorrow.
My Husband was a Unique and Kind-Hearted Person-Dr Kaseba
First Lady Christine Kaseba has described her late husband, Michael Sata as a unique and kind-hearted person.
Dr. Kaseba said in a tribute to her husband read for her by Emma Chibesakunda, said the late President was also the most God fearing, generous, honest, compassionate and forgiving person she has ever met.
The First Lady said the pain of losing her husband was so acute.
Dr. Kaseba said those who ever came across the late President can attest to the fact that he was a humble, loving and caring person.
She said despite the many misconceptions, lies and hate, late President Sata was one person who understood the power of love and forgiving.
She said throughout the trials of life, he always ensured that stability and wellbeing of his family came first.
Dr. Kaseba said her late husband’s selfless service to the country stands out among one of his greatest achievements, adding that Zambia shall remember him as a father of the nation who was willing to share his knowledge and wealth.
She said the late President Sata’s love for the country was beyond human comprehension, noting that the late head of state touched the lives of many Zambians.
And Pope Francis has called on Zambians to honour the memory of the late head of state by maintaining peace and justice in the country.
The Pope said in a message read for him by the Apostolic Nuncio of Zambia and Malawi, Julio Murat that the nation should remain united even during this trying period to ensure that the socio-economic gains that were scored in late President Sata’s tenure are sustained for the benefit of the people.
He recalled that the late President Sata was a man who put service to the people ahead of his personal interest.
Meanwhile, African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma noted that Zambia made remarkable socio-economic progress under the leadership of the late President Sata.
Dr. Dlamini-Zuma said the country is among the fastest growing economies on the African continent and late Mr. Sata’s hallmark achievements have impacted positively on people’s lives.
She has since urged the country to ensure peaceful transition of power and to maintain peace and stability so the nation can reclaim its place as a haven of peace on the African continent.
She further appealed to Zambians not to take the peace the country has enjoyed since independence for granted.
Archbishop of Lusaka Telephor Mpundu said the late President was the most experienced politician to have entered State House as President.
Messages of unity, continuity characterise Sata’s funeral
Acting President Guy Scott this morning led foreign heads of state, foreign dignitaries, cabinet ministers, service chiefs, traditional leaders, opposition political party leaders and tens of thousands of Zambians in the requiem mass for late President Michael Sata at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Mourners started flocking to the National Heroes Stadium as early as 05:00 hours to attend the mass of late President Sata who died in London at King Edward VII Hospital on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.
Speaking at the service, Dr. Scott stated that his job is to ensure that Zambia has a new President and a new administration within 90 days as per constitutional requirement.
Dr. Scott stressed that he will do everything to the best of his ability to make sure that people get the kind of President they want.
He reiterated the need for the nation to maintain peace, stability and continue on the path to sustainable development for the good of the people.
He said during the time he spent touring the country with the late President Sata, the departed head of state wanted Zambians to always remain united and Zambia a democratic country.
The Acting President also described the late President as a kind, generous man who embraced people of all races, religion and tribe.
He has urged Zambians to continue to behave well during the transition period in order to make the country proud.
And Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson Robert Mugabe said the best tribute Zambia can give to late President Sata is to build on his illustrious works.
Mr. Mugabe, who is also President of Zimbabwe, said all Zambians regardless of tribe, religious, and political affiliation should work towards realising the great idea which the late President Sata had.
He also disclosed that during his meetings with the late President Sata, the two discussed going into joint ventures by networking companies in the two countries.
He said the joint hosting of the World Tourism Organisation Conference in Livingstone and Victoria Falls was the beginning of joint partnership between the two countries.
Mr. Mugabe praised President Sata for striving to unite the people not only in Zambia but in the southern African region and Africa in general.
He also called on the nation to reject and fight neo-colonialism with the energy it deserves.
President Mugabe further challenged journalists to write about the work and achievement of the late head of state, saying President Sata was without doubt a man of action who put service to the people above self.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Edgar Lungu said the ruling party will live on despite the death of its founding leader.
Mr. Lungu, who also doubles as Minister of Defence and of Justice, described the departed President as a great teacher who passed on his political values, techniques and strategies before his death.
He said the late President Sata taught the PF how to do their politics and to survive in the competitive political environment in the country.
The PF Secretary General also stressed that the ruling party was not for sell to the highest bidder and warned that it will not allow greedy and corrupt individuals to hijack it.
Mr. Lungu has since called on all Zambians to unite and love one another as they move on after the death of the country’s leader.
He further assured the nation that the government will ensure that President Sata’s aspirations for the country are realised.
And family spokesperson Alexander Chikwanda thanked Zambians for the support and kindness shown to the Sata family during the mourning period.
Mr. Chikwanda, who is also Finance Minister, further thanked First Lady Christine Kaseba for the love and care she provided to late President Sata during his illness up to the time he died.
He also urged the leadership of the country to ensure they continue on the path to sustainable development, peace and unity which the former head of state stood for.
First President Kenneth Kaunda, fourth President Rupiah Banda, former Namibian president Sam Nujuma and former Botswana President Festus Mogae were among several heads of state that also attended the requiem mass.
President Sata has since been buried at the presidential burial site at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
He is survived by wife, Dr. Kaseba, nine children and five grandchildren.
Janza: Zambia not sidetracked by 2015 AFCON host problems
Honour Janza said his team has not been sidetracked over the protracted issue surrounding the hosting of the 2015 Africa Cup.
The final qualifying matches for next years tournament take place on November 15 and 19 under a dark cloud after Morocco were stripped as hosts of the tournament it was supposed to host from January 17 to February 8.
This follows a standoff with CAF over Morocco’s Ebola concerns and saw their request to have the tournament postponed rejected by Cairo.
“On our side we need to do the first thing first which is to qualify. When we qualify then we can think of where are we going to play,”Janza said.
“So when we qualify then we we can talk about the effects of not being certain of where we are going to play.”
CAF are set to announce new host and dates over the coming days.
CAF strips Morocco as 2015 Africa Cup hosts
Morocco has been stripped of its right to host the 2015 Africa Cup.
CAF gave Morocco up a November 8 to confirm their staging of the 2015 tournament from January 17 to February 8.
However, Morocco stuck to its guns requesting a postponement due to the Ebola epidemic.
“At its meeting on 11th November 2014 in Cairo, the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken note of the response of the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Kingdom of Morocco in a letter dated 8 November 2014 requesting the postponement of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations in 2015,” CAF stated.
“This response clearly indicates that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation reiterated its refusal to hold the competition on the dates indicated (January 17-February 8, 2015).
“Therefore, having firmly and unanimously notified on 3 November its decision to keep the competition on the dates indicated, the Executive Committee confirmed that the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2015 will not take place in Morocco.”
CAF said Morocco has also now been disqualified from the tournament and a new host including dates and venues will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, all qualifiers this weekend will go ahead as scheduled.
Zambia are second in Group F and face third placed Mozambique on Satuday Maputo in a penultimate Group F qualifier.
Zambia and Mozambique are tied on five points, four behind Cape Verde with two Group F left to play.
MMD set for polls-Nevers
MMD President Nevers Mumba says he will not be derailed by reports that former President Rupiah Banda is scheming to contest the presidential by election on the MMD ticket.
Dr Mumba said he is not bothered by such reports saying he is focused on preparing the party for the by election.
He said in an interview that his preoccupation as MMD President is ensuring that the MMD scoops the election.
“Preparing for the by-election is my preoccupation, rumours of what anybody wants to do or who wants to contest is not my business. I’m President of the MMD and my responsibility is for the party,” Dr Mumba said.
The MMD leader added,” It’s all systems go. We are waiting for the Government to tell us the election date and our machinery will be turned on.”
Some online reports have alleged that Dr. Mumba has entered into a pact with some individuals to block former President Rupiah Banda from launching his purported come back.
This was after it emerged that a group of people who worked with Mr Banda in the 2011 presidential campaigns are convincing Mr Banda to return to politics.
PF is vulnerable, opposition will win presidential by election-Milupi
Alliance for Democracy and Development leader Charles Milupi is confident that the opposition will win the forthcoming presidential by election.
Mr Milupi said the ruling PF is vulnerable in its current state adding that the opposition will capitalise and win the election.
He said whoever is chosen to contest the by election on the PF ticket will not enjoy the power of incumbency.
Mr Milupi observed that the PF candidate will not enjoy the use of Government resources for their campaigns making it difficult to retain the presidency.
He said the opposition is in a better shape to win the presidential by election which should be held after January 26 2015.
The ADD leader also warned the PF against sneaking into Parliament piecemeal constitutional amendments before the presidential by election.
Mr Milupi observed that Zambia needs wholesome constitutional reforms and not piecemeal amendments.
“The opposition will not allow a situation where the PF comes with piecemeal amendments to Parliament such as removal of a parental clause, we will reject such moves, remember, we have MPs there,” he said.
Mr Milupi said, “The PF does not have two thirds majority, I think they have 82 MPs now, but even those that worked with them in Parliament will now go back to their original parties because they now can see that the PF is very vulnerable.”
Bob Sichinga calls for ceasefire in PF
Sichinga
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Bob Sichinga has called to opposing sides in the ruling PF to put aside their differences ahead of the presidential by election.
Mr Sichinga said approaching the by election in a fragmented state would be catastrophic for the PF.
He said late President Sata insisted on party and national unity and peace which he said should be promoted.
Mr Sichinga said the situation in the PF is worrying and should be dealt with immediately.
“The President insisted on peace and unity in the party, and I would seek that even as we go through the process of finding a replacement for him, we will maintain peace and unity and definitely at all costs avoid violence,” Mr Sichinga said in an interview.
He added, “As a party we should not tolerate that. We will have to act in a manner that is sober. We thank the Churches, the civic organisations and the entire nation for having given us this absolutely peaceful, beautiful and glorious send off for the President and I think we need to build on it by ensuring that the prayers of these people are not unheeded.”
Mr Sichinga said “We as the leaders of our party, we have to honour what the people of Zambia want. My appeal is that there is no violence of any kind, whether inter party or intra party.”
And PF National Youth Chairman Chishimba Kambwili has insisted that only the party’s general conference can select a presidential candidate.
Mr Kambwili said the party will fight until it goes for a general conference adding that the youths will not allow the constitution of the party to be abrogated.
He was reacting to a statement from PF General Secretary Edgar Lungu that the party’s Central Committee will meet to decide the process of selecting a presidential candidate.
Mr Lungu had stated that the party should take into account the lack of time and resources in deciding which process to use to arrive at a popular candidate.
Mr Kambwili said the Central Committee has no powers to pick a presidential candidate adding that the party’s general membership should be allowed to have a say on the choice of a candidate.
“We have to follow the constitution strictly. The constitution says general conference and we have to go for the general conference, there should be no shortcuts,” Mr Lungu said.
He added, “If people want to abrogate constitution, we are not going to allow it. When Hon Edgar Lungu’s appointment was revoked as S.G, I personally took it upon myself and ensured that the correct thing was done. We called a meeting and he was reinstated and that it the way it should be done. Even on this one, we are going to fight until we go to the general conference. There are no two ways about it. The general conference has to decide who becomes President and not the central committee.”