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Honour Janza has succumbed to pressure and summoned Evans Kangwa.
Kangwa brings the number to 27 from the previously 26-man team Janza had named last Friday for Zambia’s final two 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers coming up next week.
Kangwa last played for Zambia on March 5 when he came off the bench to score two goals in a 2-1 friendly win over Uganda in Ndola.
The striker has been in red-hot form at Israeli club Hapoel Ra’anana over the last fortnight for whom he has scored three goals in two games.
Meanwhile, the 13 home-based players enter camp in Lusaka this Saturday, November 8.
Zambia will face Mozambique in a penultimate Group F qualifier away in Maputo on November 15.
They will return home to face Cape Verde in a grudge match on November 19 in Ndola.
Cape Verde lead Group F on 9 points, Zambia are second and tied on five points with Mozambique while Niger are bottom with two points.
China Luanshya Copper Mines (CLM) says it is disappointed with the relegation of Roan United from the FAZ Super League.
Roan were last month demoted to Division One after recorded 17 losses, eight draws and three wins from 28 matches played so far in the season.
CLM spokesperson Sydney Chileya said management was not happy to see Roan demoted to Division One.
Chileya said the mining firm will now meet stakeholders to chat the way forward regarding the future of the Luanshya club.
“CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines is disappointed with the poor performance of our team Roan United this season. As you are aware our club has been demoted,” he said.
“Our Chief Executive Officer Mr. Luo sent a message to the players saying he was very disappointed with the demotion of the team to Division One especially that the company had increased the budget allocation to the team by 30 percent this year.”
Chileya added: ”Moving forward, management will be sitting soon to chat the way forward. Obviously we will look at restructuring the club with stakeholders; the executive, supporters and us sponsors.”
It is with great sense of pride that some relative calm has returned back to our streets as we mourn our late President Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata. We still reiterate our position for a peaceful transition during this trying moment.
We now know that the PF leadership never cared about their departed colleague and the Zambian Head of State. Instead of peacefully mourning the man who gave them jobs and made them who they are today, they are already campaigning to succeed him no matter the repercussions to the country.
It is now clear to some of us that the senior PF leadership are already tired of mourning their departed colleague and if they had their way, they would have disposed of him by now so that they resume their private luxurious lives which he gave them.
As UPND, we wish to state that this country is not about PF and their violent behavior in the streets of Zambia. This country is for all the more than 13 millions Zambians that have so far enjoyed peace and unity since independence.
We call on police and other law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for those that want to assume leadership through anarchy, chaos, and Pangas regardless of their positions in society.
And we call upon all political players to exercise restraint and control their cadres from any form of anarchy that can easily burn this beloved country.
It is wrong to use the jobless and starving youths for our own selfish and personal gains by sending them to the streets.
We call on the youths to reject being used by selfish and greedy politicians that want to burn the country in their quest to assume leadership at all costs.
As a woman, all my sympathies to Madam Christine Kaseba and her children as we join in mourning their departed dear husband and father.
PF Members of parliament listens during the presentation of 2015 budget
The fourth session of the eleventh National Assembly, which was suspended on October 29, 2014 following President Michael Sata’s death, is scheduled to resume its proceedings next week.
Clerk of the National Assembly Doris Mwinga said the parliamentary proceedings will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
Mrs. Mwinga disclosed this in a statement made in Lusaka today.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mkhondo Lungu suspended the proceedings of the house after reading a message informing Members of Parliament about the death of President Sata.
The adjournment was made in order to facilitate the funeral of President Sata who died on October 28, 2014 and will be put to rest on November 11, 2014 at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
Before the adjournment, parliament was among other things, debating the proposed 2015 national budget which was presented to the National Assembly by Minster of Finance Alexander Chikwanda on October 10, 2014.
File:Archdiocese of Kasama Archbishop Emeritus James Spaita during funeral service of late Cardinal Medardo Joseph Mazombwe at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Lusaka
Former Rupiah Bwezani Banda, has described the late Archbishop Emeritus James Mwewa Spaita as a man who led an exemplary life worth emulating.He said he had known he late retired Archbishop for a long time and will remember him as a humble servant of God who dedicated his entire life to the salvation of mankind.
In a message of condolences addressed to the Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama, the former head of State said he hopes the Zambian people can continue to follow the path that the late clergyman set by aspiring to live in accordance with Biblical principles.
“While it is not easy to emulate people who have led exemplary lives, I hope we can endeavour to emulate him. Please, convey my condolences to the Kasama Diocese and indeed the entire Catholic Church in Zambia on the passing of this man of God,” read pat of the letter to Archbishop Chama.
Meanwhile the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) said it has learnt with shock and utmost regret the demise of Archbishop Emeritus James Spaita.MMD president Nevers Mumba said Archbishop Spaita served his church and the community with dignity and honour.Dr. Mumba said Archbishop Spaita was dearly loved by his congregation.
He said in a statement issued in Lusaka today that the party was conveying its deepest condolences to the family of Archbishop Spaita and the Catholic Church in Zambia.
Archbishop Spaita, who died at Kasama General Hospital on Tuesday, will be buried tomorrow at Kasama’s St. John Cathedral grounds.
Archbishop Spaita, 80, was ordained as priest in 1962. He was appointed Bishop of Mansa in 1974, became Archbishop of Kasama in 1990 and retired in 2009.
File:Service chiefs salutes Acting President Edgar Lungu during the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka on October 24,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu has assured the nation, business groups and the international community that the ruling Patriotic Front party will maintain peace, stability and tranquility in the transitional period and beyond.
In a statement, Mr Lungu said the PF leadership will also select its presidential candidate in a free, fair and transparent process by allowing anyone who wants to be a contender, the chance to do so.
He said the entirety of party delegates will have the opportunity to openly elect their own leader.Mr Lungu said the party acknowledges that it may contain some differences of opinion on some subjects.
“We are however, confident and capable of rising above them. To that effect, the Patriotic Front would like to assure the nation, business groups and the international community at large that we are determined to ensure there is stability, peace and tranquility during this period and beyond,” Mr Lungu said.
He added, “Zambia has proven to be a very stable country during transitional periods over its 50 years of nationhood. The transition from One Party to Multi Party rule in 1991 and the passing on of President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC in 2008 were such times, and the untimely passing of President Michael Chilufya Sata is yet another. The ascension of Dr Guy Scott as Acting State President is a further example of Zambia’s tradition of constitutional process.”
He said Zambia’s governance systems are strong and have continuously demonstrated smooth transitions to new parties and Presidents throughout its history.
Mr Lungu said the PF is committed to continuing this tradition adding that the PF will seize this opportunity to set an example of peace and stability for all of Africa.
Patriotic Front Cadres are said to be seeking answers as to what lead Acting President Guy Scott to fire Party Secretary general Edgar Lungu on Monday. Mr.Lungu was later reinstated after protest action in some parts of the country.Guy Scott appointed Davies Mwila as Secretary General but Mr.Mwila declined the appointment.The acting president then appointed Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Mr Nickson Chilangwa but this was reversed after Mr Lungu was reinstated.
Local media reports an infamous cartel that is said to be working on imposing their preferred candidate on the party.
Matero Member of Parliament Mr.Miles Sampa has acknowledged receiving the numerous requests for answers from cadres but has said he will not engage in any sort of discussion before the burial.
In a statement released to the media by Honorable Sampa’s spokesperson Mr. Chitambala Mwewa, Mr Sampa said he would address any concerns raised by issuing a comprehensive statement after the burial of late President Michael Chilufya Sata.
Zambia at fifty is the theme of this statue that has been mounted at Munali round about on Great East Road to commemorate this year’s golden jubilee
This is a very delicate time for this country. Not surprisingly, a lot has been said but even more surprisingly there is a lot more that has not been said. Many Zambians have questions about the recent events and many questions since the Patriotic Front government came to power. Here are my fifty questions that I ask as a Zambian. They are not in any order of importance. I simply typed them as they came to mind. Feel free to add any questions that come to your mind.
1. When will the new constitution be effected?
2. Will this constitution give fewer powers to the president?
3. Is the current draft constitution complete and thorough?
4. How exactly did the president die of?
5. Was the president shot? Was it an accident? Was it heart attack?
6. Did he collapse in New York?
7. What did he go to do in New York with an entourage of 40 people?
8. Did Mulenga Sata and Christine Kaseba know that the president was sick—if he was?
9. Are new eligible voters going to vote in this election? If not why?
10. With the continuous elections that we have shouldn’t we also be having continuous voter registration?
11. Is a new house still going to be constructed for the deceased president?
12. Why as a country, did we allow the president to continue as a president if we thought he was not doing his work?
13. Why did the cabinet and judiciary fail to constitute a medical board?
14. Why do we still have a chief justice who is acting and does not qualify for the job?
15. How much money was spent on Judge Chikopa? What was the outcome?
16. Why would the president appoint a DPP and parliament approve him if he still has cases in courts of law?
17. Why do we have a vice president who does not qualify to be president?
18. How much money did the PF government borrow?
19. What is the interest rate and terms on that money?
20. How long will it take to pay that money back and what’s the current repayment plan?
21. Can all that money be accounted for?
22. How much money did each PF leader/Sata family have before they came in power?
23. How much money do they have now?
24. How did they acquire that money?
25. What measures do we need to put in place to avoid abuse?
26. How do we deal with deaths of elected leaders in the future?
27. What measures can we put in place to ensure smooth transition?
28. Does government need to do something with the public media houses?
29. Should they be privatised to make them neutral and profitable?
30. Why do we still have the public order act 50 years after independence?
31. What constitutes treason in Zambia?
32. What constitutes “causing alarm” exactly?
33. Should we consider the speaker to be the second in Presidential Succession?
34. How about the third, fourth, fifth, etc in succession? Do we know them?
35. Who should take the position of the vice president if the veep becomes president?
36. Is it time to make provinces independent so they can manage their own resources?
37. Would a federal govt. system be more efficient in service delivery?
38. Is it time to do away with chiefs?
39. What exactly is their value other than abusing their subjects and looking for the interests of politicians?
40. Are Zambian mines adding any value to our country?
41. Should we suspend mining activities for now and explore other ways of income generation?
42. Why do we call our self a Christian Nation?
43. Should we consider banning this thing about cadres?
44. Should Zambia consider the idea of a rotational presidency?
45. How should govt. involve local businesses and citizens to tackle poverty and unemployment?
46. What are the citizens’ role in the fight against poverty and corruption?
47. What are the differences between ACC, DEC and the Zambia Police?
48. Why do we appoint unqualified people as diplomats when there are many qualified Zambians?
49. Why do we give preference to foreigners over our own people?
50. Does anyone know how Masumba and General Kanene are doing at Chimbwakaila? I have a feeling they will not be short of company
Acting President Guy Scott and his wife Charlotte,First Lady Christine Kaseba and Defence minister Edgar Lungu during the body viewing ceremony
2.
Dr Christine Kaseba Sata pays her last Respect to her late Husband President Sata at Mulungushi hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.
3.
Defence personnel salutes during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
4.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Acting president Dr Guy Scott, Family members , senior giovernment officials and Cabinet ministers during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Nover 2,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
5.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, Acting President Dr Guy Scott with his wife Charlotte and PF secretary General Edgar Lungu during the Body viewing ceremony of President Sata at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
6.
Dr Christine Kaseba Sata greets Supreme Court LombeChibesakunda at Mulungushi hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.
7.
Dr Christine Kaseba Sata arrive at Mulungushi hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.
8.
Charlotte Scott during body viewing
9.
Dr Guy Scott Acting President with Dr Christine Kaseba Sata and SG Edgah Lungu before the Body Vewing Ceremony at Mulungushi Hall in Lusaka- Pictre by Eddie Mwanaleza/.
10.
Police officer Yobe Luhana ADC to the late President Sata Salutes at Mulungushi Hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony of the late President Sata .Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
11.
Police officers deployed to maintain order at the Mulungushi conference centre
12.
Inonge Wina Mourns with Dr Guy Scott and Madam Charlotte at Mulungushi Hall after Body vewing of the Late President Sata body – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
13.
Susan Kawandami Mourns with Dr Guy Scott and Madam Charlotte at Mulungushi Hall after Body vewing of the Late President Sata body – Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.
14.
Body Viewing Ceremony of the late President. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/
15.
President Sata Children at Mulungushi Hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony of the late President. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
16.
President Sata’s family during his Body viewing ceremony at Mulungushi International Conference Centre -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
17.
Some mourners posing next to banners displaying the late President Sata at the Mulungushi conference centre
18.
Some of the Ministers at Mulungushi Hall during the Body Viewing Ceremony of the late President. Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/Statehouse 02-11-2014.
19.
First Lady Dr Kaseba being comforted by Lusaka deputy minister Philip Kosamu as Agriculture and livestock Permanent Secretary Dr David Shamulenge looks on at the house of mourning of President Sata at State House on Nov 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
20.
Former President Kenneth Kaunda signs the book of condolences at State House
21.
Former President Kenneth Kaunda at State house accompanied by his children,UNIP president Tiyenji Kaunda, Panji Kaunda , his daughter Cheswa Kaunda Siliwizya
22.
Former president Kaunda’s message in the book of condolences
23.
Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Induna Kalonga (r) and Induna Katema signing in the book of condolences for the Late President Michael Chilufya Sata at Provincial Administration in Mongu District, Western Province, November 4, 2014.
24.
Unza students on their way to pay their last respects to the late president Michael Sata
25.
ACC Director General Rosewin Wandi when when she visited Dr Kaseba at State House on Nov 4,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
26.
Cuba Ambassador Caridad Perez Gonzalez
27.
Chinsali DC Evelyn Kangwa mourning
28.
UNIP President Tilyenji Kaunda bids farewell to First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba after he visited the House of Mourning of late President Sata at State House on November 3,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
29.
welcomed by Dr Charlotte Scott before signing in the book of condolences opened at the Government House
The coroner’s inquest into the collapsed Synagogue building continued on Wednesday at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja and the founder of the Synagogue Chruch of All Nations, Prophet T.B Joshua failed to appear.The contractor of the collapsed building, who had also been summoned to testify alongside the church founder also failed to show up.
Two weeks ago, the coroner, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, had summoned both men to appear before the inquest to give information on what they know about the collapse with a view to helping the inquest determine the cause and forestall a recurrence.
The coroner had ordered the court baliff to serve the witness summons to appear on both men.
But counsel to the church, Mr Olalekan Ojo, informed the coroner that both men were yet to be personally served with the witness summons.
Mr Ojo said he was volunteering the information to the coroner to prevent a public misconception that the Prophet TB Joshua had dishonoured the court by not appearing after he had been served.
He also explained that the prophet, being the chief mourner, has not been available because he was contacting the families of victims who lost their lives in the September 12 incident.
A hundred and sixteen people were said to have died In the incident.
The counsel to the church also said that the collapsed building contractor had not been served because the court did not have his contact information.
After listening to this explanation, the coroner sought to be guided on why the summons could not be served on the counsel especially in accordance with Section 5 of the Magistrate Civil Procedure Rules, 2009.
The counsel however refused to accept service insisting that service of witness summons through counsel was not provided for within the law.
The coroner has however reiterated that Prophet TB Joshua must appear before the inquest. He said that the court would do the needful to ensure that the prophet was served. He also appealed to the counsel and the Chief Security officer of the Synagogue Church to assist the court in doing this, failing which the court may be forced to use the police and bring the full wrath of the law to bear.
As for the building contractor, the coroner asked the church counsel to help with getting his contact details to enable service on him. The lawyer obliged but pleaded for time to consult and get the necessary information and the coroner gave him till Friday to provide the information.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu has however testified before the inquest. He told the coroner that rescue efforts were initially impeded because of some resistance his team faced while trying to access the scene of the collapsed building.
The LASEMA GM also blamed the Police for not being able to control the crowd that had gathered at the scene of the incident.
He said that his team succeeded in recovering 86 dead bodies with 131 people rescued alive. The bodies rescued, he says, were not disjointed.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Wilbur Simuusa has warned that the PF risks losing the presidential by election if party members do not unite.
Mr Simuusa said it will be tragic for the PF to lose the presidential seat because of ongoing party wrangles.
He said all factions in the party should come together and mourn late President Michael Sata in peace and dignity.
“If we lose the election, it will not only be this clique or that faction that will lose. It is the entire PF family,” Mr Simuusa said.
He observed that conflicts in the PF will only work to give advantage to the opposition.
“We should all rally behind the candidate that will be selected to contest the election on behalf of the PF because this is the party that Zambians trusted to manage national affairs in 2011.”
Mr Simuusa said wrangles in the ruling party will strengthen the opposition and force Zambians to turn against it during the poll.
Mr Simuusa who is also Chingola MP also denied reports that he is a member of the infamous cartel that is said to be working on imposing their preferred candidate on the party.
Mr. Tayali’s argument is that the constitution suggests that the only person who can revoke the authority of an acting president is another president – whether the one who appointed him or a new elected one. Therefore, it was supposedly illegal for Edgar Lungu to relinquish his acting presidency to Guy Scott (Others have even called it a coup!)
Although Mr. Tayali surprisingly acknowledges that Article 38(2), which authorizes the Vice-President to take over, should “automatically kick in” when there is a vacancy, he still argues that this should only kick in when there is no other acting president already chosen by the deceased president. Why? Because the reason the framers included this “provision” of Article 38(2), according to Mr. Tayali, was to deal with a situation where the president had died without appointing someone to act for him.
Let’s not misquote Mr. Tayali, we will copy and paste his own words here:
Note that this paragraph begins with, “Whenever the office of the President becomes vacant”, meaning, at any point that the office becomes vacant due to death or resignation. But what is important is for us to apply our minds to what the crafters of the Constitution had in mind when drafting this provision, it is common sense that death comes in suddenly, so the President cannot have time to appoint a person. Therefore automatically Article 38(2) is implied.
What is truly baffling is how the writer could fail to see that his own words in this paragraph have already corrected his misinterpretation of the constitution.
Putting aside the fact that his interpretation relies on mind-reading capabilities (what the “crafters” had in mind), there is still a very glaring contradiction that should have quickly alerted him to his error.
Tayali tells us that the reason the framers included Article 38(2) was because it is “common sense” that “death comes in [sic] suddenly, so the President cannot have time to appoint a person.”
And yet his own sentence just before that disagrees with him! Besides death, there are other ways article 38(2) automatically comes into force, including “resignation”.
And since resignation does not “come suddenly” (like death) but is still covered by this “provision,” and since this is the “common sense” on which the writer based his mind-reading venture into the framers’ intentions for article 38(2), the rest of his reasoning is just unfounded sophistry.
Mr. Tayali and the others who keep insisting that the clause [Article39(1)] that gave Edgar Lungu his acting position is still legally in force could have in fact seen the logical error in their interpretation if they read the latter part of the same clause a bit more slowly:
39(1) “Whenever the President is absent from Zambia or considers it desirable so to do by reason of illness or for any other cause, he may by direction in writing, authorise the Vice-President, or where the Vice-President is absent from Zambia or is incapable of discharging the functions of the office of President, any other person, to discharge such functions of the office of President AS HE MAY SPECIFY, and the Vice-President or such other person may discharge THOSE functions until his authority is revoked by the President.” [Emphasis mine]
When the president is out of the country, he MAY SPECIFY some functions or even just one function that he would wish his acting president to discharge, according to this clause, and the acting president may only discharge THOSE functions. For example, the president may be going to London for two days and he could specify (in a letter) just one function that he would want the person acting on his behalf to “discharge” for him while he is away for those two short days.
If he unexpectedly dies in London, will this person continue acting for 90 days only with that one function the president explicitly specified for him when he thought he was going for only two days? Where would he get the authority to perform more functions beyond what the president specified for him? This alone should make obvious why the constitution says the Vice-President (as head of cabinet) (as acting head of cabinet) should automatically take over for 90 days and should perform functions NOT merely specified by the president in a letter, but ALL the functions of the president, except the ones excluded by the same constitution.
Author can be contacted at cchisala (at) stanford.edu.
FILE: Police keep Patriotic Front cadres in check outside the Lusaka High Court
The Zambia Police Service has banned public protests during the period of national mourning.
Police Acting Spokesperson Esther Katongo says Police will therefore clampdown on any people attempting to stage protests during the period of national mourning.
Ms. Katongo notes that protests, particularly during the national mourning period, has the potential to compromise the peace in nation.
And Principle Traffic Officer-In Charge of Road Safety, Yotam Phiri has appealed to motorists to co-operate with traffic officers during the national mourning period.
Mr. Phiri says rehearsals for the burial day have started and certain roads will be closed and motorists should use alternative routes.
The duo was speaking during the Morning Live programme on Tv2.
The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has commended the Patriotic Front (PF) for amicably resolving a potentially explosive internal conflict following the death of President Sata.
ZCID Executive Director Horrance Chilando said his organisation was happy that the PF leadership has demonstrated political maturity and exemplary leadership for peacefully resolving the wrangles that had engulfed the party.
Mr. Chilando said the successful handling of the internal conflicts in the ruling party should be made the hallmark of intraparty politics in Zambia.
He said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the ZCID has always promoted dialogue in interparty relations.
He noted that effective and inclusive dialogue within and between parties was an essential element of the democratic process of any country.
Mr. Chilando further pointed out that intraparty strife and polarised relations between political parties can block the country’s development.
He has since urged political parties to nurture a culture of trust, dialogue and cooperation in order to foster peace, stability and sustainable growth.
Mr. Chilando has since called on all political players in the country to respect the funeral of departed President Michael Sata.
Mr. Chilando urged political parties to desist from fanning violence but instead rise above selfish interest for the sake of the country.
He said his organisation will de-campaign any political party bent on plunging the country in disorder and unrest.
Mr. Chilando has meanwhile applauded opposition political parties for the magnanimous manner in which they have responded to the tragedy of losing a sitting President to death for the second time in the history of the country.
Acting President Dr Guy Scott (r) listens to Defence and Justice minister Edgar Lungu shortly after Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Calm has returned to the Patriotic Front (PF) as members across the country welcomed Acting President Guy Scott’s decision to reinstate Edger Lungu as the party Secretary General. Acting president Guy Scott on Monday fired Edgar Lungu as party Secretary General and replaced him with Chipili Constituency Member of Parliament Davies Mwila who turned down the offer and he later appointed Kawambwa MP Nixon Chilangwa.
The Patriotic Front (PF) leadership in Eastern Province commended the reinstatement of Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu as a secretary general.
Eastern Province PF Chairperson Atanny Mwamba said in a statement yesterday that the party was happy that acting President Dr Guy Scott rescinded his earlier decision to relieve Mr Lungu of his duties as a secretary general.
Mr Mwamba said the party in the province was happy for the leadership which Dr Scott shown by reinstating Mr Lungu as secretary general of the party as this could have divided the party.
“We would like to urge all our party members that this not the time to fight but to honour our beloved leader by mourning him in a dignified manner. This is the only way we will grant him a befitting send off,” he said.
Mr Mwamba appealed to all PF members in the province and the country at large to remain calm, united, peaceful and avoid violence at all cost during the mourning period of the father, mentor and gallant leader.
[pullquote]“We would like to urge all our party members that this not the time to fight but to honour our beloved leader by mourning him in a dignified manner. This is the only way we will grant him a befitting send off,” he said.[/pullquote]
In Muchinga Province PF members have welcomed the re-instatement of Edgar Lungu as the party’s Secretary General. In an interview in Chinsali yesterday, PF Chinsali District Vice Chairperson Amon Mulenga said the party in the district is happy with the re-instatement of Mr. Lungu who was fired on Monday.
Mr. Mulenga said what had started happening in the ruling party was uncalled for adding that it is wrong for people to start positioning themselves to take over even before the President late Michael Chilufya Sata is put to rest.
Mr. Mulenga said party members in the district will not support anybody bent on bringing confusion in the party before and after the burial of the late President.
He advised people with intentions to stand as presidential candidates on the party ticket to wait until the President has been put to rest.
The party district chairperson said President Sata was a peaceful leader who deserves to be mourned in peace and dignity.
And Nakonde PF District Chairperson Joe Chanda said the party in the border town was very disturbed when Dr Scott fired Mr. Lungu as party Secretary General.
Mr. Chanda said the party in the district has confidence in the leadership of Mr. Lungu just like the person who appointed him, the late President Sata.
He however, said the ruling party in Nakonde is happy that acting President Guy Scott has realized that he made a mistake to fire Mr. Lungu and immediately re-instated him.
[pullquote]Mr Hachitapika said traditionally it is wrong for people to start sharing property before burying the deceased.[/pullquote]
Mr. Chanda has since called on leaders in the party to show leadership and ensure that the party is united even as it mourns its founder and leader.
In southern Province, PF members in Siavonga district in Southern Province have welcomed Acting President Guy Scott’s decision to reinstate Edger Lungu as the party Secretary General.
Siavonga District Publicity Secretary Lubinda Mubiana said the reinstatement of Lungu is necessary for the sake of peace and unity in the party.
Mr Mubiana noted that Dr Scott’s decision shows that he is a listening person who embraces peace.
Meanwhile, Chief Sinadambwe’s representative Leonard Hachitapika has called for calm, peace, and unity among the PF leadership as the country continues to mourn President Michael Sata.
Mr Hachitapika said in an interview that it is unfortunate that some people have already started talking about issues of succession before burying the President.
Mr Hachitapika said traditionally it is wrong for people to start sharing property before burying the deceased.
He pointed out that though in a given grouping there are always people that are in a hurry to achieve something but for the sake of peace, the PF leadership should exercise restraint and ensure that the president is mourned with dignity.
Mr Hachitapika said people will always come and go but for the nation to leave on it must have leaders with a sober attitude to build on the legacy that President Sata has left.
Mr Hachitapika reaffirmed that the people of Siavonga will remember the President for Commissioning Siavonga Secondary School, the tarrying of the Bottom road, and the completion of the six generators at Kariba North Bank.
However, United Party for National Development (UPND) Chairperson for Siavonga district Jelly Kalangwe said the party is happy with Edger Lungu’s decision for accepting to be reinstated for the sake of peace to prevail in the country.
Mr Kapalangwe said all the opposition members and the entire country is mourning President Sata adding that it was not fair for the acting President to start firing his colleagues.
He stated that Zambia has enjoyed peace for the past 50 years and it was wrong the ruling party to started fuelling confusion during the period of mourning.
He urged the ruling party to mourn the President in peace rather than creating confusion which will take the country backwards.
