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United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema says the excessive external borrowing by the Patriotic Front (PF) government is an indication of lack of priorities and concentration on areas of expenditure.
Mr. Hichilema says the PF is borrowing in order to award contracts to party allies.
He says it is unacceptable for the country to continue borrowing at the current rate when the country is coming out of the debt burden which was diverting resource from development to debt servicing.
Mr. Hichilema says the patriotic front government wants to take the country back into the debt crisis.
He adds that it is risky for the country to have a debt of close to five billion dollars in two years when it took decades for the country to have a 7.3 billion dollar debt, written off.
On Wednesday secretary to the treasury Fredson Yamba said Zambia’s current external debt and domestic debt levels still remain below the international thresholds of 40 and 25 percent respectively.
Mr. Yamba disclosed the country’s external debt is slightly over $3 billion.
MMD president Nevers Mumba says he is not bothered by the fact that those advocating for the convening of an extraordinary convention have secured required number of petitions to hold a convention to elect a new leadership.
Dr. Mumba says he is focused on today’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
He says the fact those calling for a convention have managed to garner the necessary petitions will not stop the NEC meeting from taking place.
Dr. Mumba has told QFM news that the NEC meeting will not be put off because the issue of the convention will be part of what will be discussed in the NEC meeting.
Asked whether he thinks the MMD needed a new leadership, Dr. Mumba says he does not see any reason why the party will need a new leadership when he is already a new leader for the former ruling party.
He however notes that the issue could be that there could be some members of the party that are failing to fit in the new MMD under his leadership.
Zesco United coach George Lwandamina says a draw will be as bad as a loss in Saturday’s Copperbelt electricity derby against Power Dynamos at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Power and Zesco head into Saturday’s game with both sides unbeaten records this season on the line.
Zesco are second on 12 points from four games played with a match in hand while Power have 15 points from five games played.
“Everyone would like to stay top so if a draw comes our way it will be a negative result, so every team or both teams, are looking forward to a win,” Lwandamina said.
“I have to tell you that we have prepared well and the boys look set and we will play the game like any other game hoping your doubting Thomas’ will be cleared.”
Zesco have not beaten Power since 2010 and the best results since then have been two draws and four defeats.
Memories are also still very fresh of last September’s 3-1 home win by Power in the midst nine-match unbeaten run after rebounding from a five-match losing streak in Tennant Chilumba’s first six months in charge.
Meanwhile, the match will pit the league meaniset goalkeepers this season when Lameck Nyangu for Zesco will face Power’s Joshua Titima.
Both have conceded just three goals each but the pressure is on Nyangu against a Power side that has scored 16 goals against eight for Zesco.
“What I can say is we have no fear against Power Dynamos we are going to beat them,” Nyangu said.
MTN/FAZ Super Division Week Six
26/04/2014
-Sunset Stadium,Lusaka
Green Buffaloes-Red Arrows(13h00)*
Zanaco -Roan United
Zesco United-Power Dynamos
Nchanga Rangers-National Assembly
Indeni-Konkola Blades
Konkola Mine Police-Green Eagles
27/04/2014
Kabwe Warriors-NAPSA Stars
Postponed
Nakambala Leopards-Nkana
*All kickoffs 15h00 CAT unless stated
Nkana players are confident of recording a positive result in Sunday’s crucial 2014 CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage return leg against Tunisian side CA Bizertin in Bizerte.
The FAZ Super League champions are targetting to end a six-game winless run as they face Bizertin in the 16h00 kick-off match at the 15 October Stadium in Bizerte.
Captain Sydney Kalume said:”We are going to work hard and win this game.”
Star striker Ronald Kampamba remarked:”We want to win the game at all cost. For this game we want a positive result.”
Kampamba missed the first leg that ended goalless in Kitwe after being suspended for receiving two yellow cards in previous games.
Winger Simon Bwalya said:”Our aim is to qualify to the group stage of the Confederation Cup.Our strategy is to score a goal and defender well.”
Midfielder Mwila Kabwe added:”We will deliver for our supporters and the nation, they just need to believe in us.”
Alliance for Democracy and Development president Charles Milupi delivering his speech
Presidents of 16 opposition political parties have resolved not to attend the indaba convened by SACCORD over the constitution slated for this month end.
The Presidents say the time for the agenda that the SACCORD indaba is seeking to achieve is long gone and that now is the time for the release of the draft constitution and not for the question and answer session that SACCORD is proposing.
At a news briefing in Lusaka, the leaders of the opposition stated that the invitation by SACCORD to the 16 opposition political parties undermines the need to have the draft constitution.
A joint statement was read out by Alliance for Democracy and Development President Charles Milupi.
“We want to acknowledge the efforts made by SACCORD to organise an indaba where government and all stakeholders are supposed to dialogue over the constitution. We all feel the SACCORD meeting does not take into account the stage at which the political parties have reached with regard to the constitution making process,” Mr Milupi said.
He said the country is facing challenges ranging from the misapplication of the Public Order Act, the Political Violence, the hooliganism coming PF cadres and the high cost of living which are of great concern to the people of Zambia.
“The opposition political parties are currently not permitted to function in the democracy we introduced in 1991. Almost all the challenges the country is facing today have been addressed in the draft constitution which the PF is no refusing to give to the Zambian people,” he said.
He added, “We wish to remind President Sata and the PF government that a people driven constitution to reflect the democratic dispensation that the country is in, is long overdue. We believe it is the foundation for good and accountable governance and underpins meaningful and sustainable development that the country so badly needs.”
Mr Milupi charged that it is immoral to start discussing Clauses and Articles of the Draft Constitution as the process for debating were completed through the district, provincial and national conventions.
“Infact we believe that the continued debate on certain clauses and articles in the draft constitution is not in good faith as this draft constitution is currently not available to the rest of the country.”
Mr Milupi said the Presidents of opposition parties remain focused on meeting President Sata to discuss the way forward on the constitution.
“We remain focused on the meeting we requested with President Sata to have with opposition political party Presidents. This is so because following the various contradictory statements emanating from the PF government as well as the President, we are convinced that only President Sata holds the key to the resolution of this matter. We also expect State House to be professional in handling the letter we delivered to them on April 16 2014 as a quick response would help the country have resolution to this matter of national importance,” Mr Milupi said.
All FAZ league games will go ahead as scheduled despite the three days of national mourning for the football radio commentator icon Dennis Liwewe.
Sports minister Chishimba Kambwili said at a press briefing in Luanshya on Friday that it was only befitting to celebrate Liwewe’s life by going ahead with all scheduled matches on Saturday.
Government announced a three day period of national mourning from April 24-26.
“We are aware of the scheduled spors activities lined up before his demise and after consultation, we felt that the best to mourn or send of Mr Liwewe will be to allow the games especially football to go on on Saturday as scheduled on condition that all participating players must wear black arm band and they must all observe a minute of silence,” Kambwili said.
Liwewe, 78 died on April 22 in Lusaka from a Liver ailment and will be put to rest on April 26 in Lusaka at Leopards Hill Memorial Park.
President Banda arrives at the funeral house. On the right is the late Dennis Liwewe’s son Ponga.
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President Banda With Ponga, Liwewe’s widow Sylvia (opposite Ponga) and daughter Kwangu (in floral dress)
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President Banda hugs the Late Dennis Liwewe’s son Liwewe Liwewe
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President Banda signing a book of condolences
5.
VICE President Dr Guy Scott upon his arrival at Kaulu ground for gracing of the celebrations of Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Nsenga speaking people of Eastern Province in Petauke District .President Sata gazetted chief Kalindawalo after withdrawing recognition of the previous chief.
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Chieftainess Nyanje of the Nsenga Peope with Senior Chief Kalindawalo at Kaulu during the celebrations in Petauke District.President Sata gazetted chief Kalindawalo after withdrawing recognition of the previous chief.
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Chiefs Mishoro and Madzimawe of the Ngoni Speaking People of Eastern Provinceduring the celebrations of Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Nsenga speaking people of Eastern Province in Petauke District on Wednesday
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MMD president Nevers Mumba arrives at St Ignatius Parish for the way of the Cross service
9.
People of the newly created Ngabwe District in Central Province are facing difficulties crossing the Kafue River due to non functional Pontoon which is packed due to high water levels in the River
10.
First President at a birthday party hosted for him at the Chinese Embassy
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda interacts with school pupils at Mulungushi International Conference Centre
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda shares a light moment with Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa who was dressed in a ‘Kaunda suit’ and carrying a white handkerchief like the former president at the commemoration of Dr Kaunda’s birthday by school pupils at Mulungushi International Conference Centre
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda sings for school pupils at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka
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First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda addresses school pupils at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka
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FIRST Lady Dr Christine Kaseba (right) shares a light moment with Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata in Linda Township. Dr Kaseba congratulated Ms Kapata for her recent appointment.
16.
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba with Standard Chartered Chartered Bank Chief Executive officer Andrew Okai during the Standard Chartered Bank- Habitat for Humanity Zambia builds House s for Vulnerable women in Linda Compound in Lusaka
17.
KAFULA road is receiving a major facelift in Chipata District.The road is on the central business area.This road has since been closed by Sable Transport and Construction Limited
18.
THE new Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters currently under construction in Lusaka.
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Children watching crocodiles at the Kalimba Farm Reptile Farm in Lusaka during the easter weekend
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A crocodile lays under a tree that has bird nests
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A Chinese man poses for a photograph with a python wrapped on him at Kalimba Reptile Farm
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A Chinese man angling in one of the fishing ponds atKalimba Reptile Farm
23.
Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Director General Likando Mukumbuta (r) displays a mango fruit during his remarks as Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga (2nd l), Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Chairman Dr. Mutukwa Kasuka (2nd r) and Western Province Minister Josephine Limataa (l) observe before the Flagging of Mango Value Chain in Mongu District of Western Province
File:Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani (c), Lusaka Province Commissioner Joyce Kasosa and UPND Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo engage each other after violence was reported in Kabwata.
The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has noted with increased concern the escalating levels of violence in the Country.
LAZ strongly condemns the mounting political violence being exhibited in the Country. The levels of political intolerance in the country have reached unprecedented levels such that if not checked, will plunge the Country into anarchy. LAZ is particularly alarmed by the apparent unwillingness on the part of the Police to maintain law and order in the country. The failure to investigate and or prosecute some known perpetrators of political violence has led the victims of political violence and society at large, into believing that the Police is not according all its citizens equal protection of the law. As a result of this clearly wrong belief, the victims of violence have now resorted to publicly declaring the wish to arm themselves.
Further, LAZ is also concerned about the growing impunity with which political party cadres are conducting vigilante activities as demonstrated by the recent threats by Patriotic Front cadres on the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority officers, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema at an Ndola radio station and on Action Aid Youths during the recent Youth Day Celebrations.
LAZ is however, gratified with the public statement made by the Minister of Home Affairs warning all perpetrators of crimes that they will face the consequences of the law regardless of their status. It is the hope of LAZ that the Police will follow up on this timely statement by the Minister and ensure that law and order are maintained and enforced in the country without fear or favour.
As Zambia prepares for the Golden Jubilee, its citizens cannot be expected to celebrate its independence in an environment of fear and intimidation.
_________________________
George Chisanga
PRESIDENT
The Lusaka High Court has sentenced Clifford Dimba, commonly known as General Kanene to 18 years with hard labour for defiling an underage girl.
In his judgment, Lusaka High Court Judge, Chalwe Muchenga said the sentencing is meant to deter would be offenders because the scourge is escalating.
This was in a matter in which the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted Kanene for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old schoolgirl contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
On February 4, 2014, Lusaka magistrate Rodgers Kaoma convicted Kanene after finding him guilty of defilement and committed him to the High Court for sentencing.
It was alleged that Kanene on unknown dates but between January 31 and February 1, 2012 in Lusaka had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16 but he had denied committing the offence.
The Lusaka High Court has sentenced Clifford Dimba, commonly known as General Kanene to 18 years with hard labour for defiling an underage girl.
In his judgment, Lusaka High Court Judge, Chalwe Muchenga said the sentencing is meant to deter would be offenders because the scourge is escalating.
This was in a matter in which the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted Kanene for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old schoolgirl contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
On February 4, 2014, Lusaka magistrate Rodgers Kaoma convicted Kanene after finding him guilty of defilement and committed him to the High Court for sentencing.
It was alleged that Kanene on unknown dates but between January 31 and February 1, 2012 in Lusaka had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16 but he had denied committing the offence.
First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda addresses United Church of Zambia (UCZ) congregants at St Paul’s congregation at the start of UCZ golden jubilee celebrations for the UCZ church in Lusaka
Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda has expressed gratitude at the mentorship Zambia’s first President Kenneth Kaunda provided him.’My ascendancy to the Presidency of this great land would not have been possible without your wise counsel,’President Rupiah Banda said.In a letter to Dr Kaunda, whose 90th birthday anniversary falls on 28th April, 2014, President Banda observed that the Zambian Golden Jubilee, to be celebrated this year, is also befitting recognition of the contributions and sacrifices that the founding head of State made for Zambia.
Below is the Full Press statement
LUSAKA, 25th April, 2014—His Excellency Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda, the Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia, says he is proud to have benefited from the mentorship of His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the First President of the Republic of Zambia.
In a letter to Dr Kaunda, whose 90th birthday anniversary falls on 28th April, 2014, President Banda observed that the Zambian Golden Jubilee, to be celebrated this year, is also befitting recognition of the contributions and sacrifices that the founding head of State made for Zambia.
“I am very proud to be among those that are privileged to have benefited from your mentorship during the independence struggle to the present day. My ascendancy to the Presidency of this great land would not have been possible without your wise counsel,” reads the letter in part.
The former head of State is, therefore, greatly honoured to join 13 million other Zambians in sending best wishes on the occasion of Dr Kaunda’s 90th birthday anniversary.
Meanwhile, President Banda is this afternoon scheduled to leave for Tanzania to attend the 50th anniversary of the Union between the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar, to be held in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.
President Banda’s participation is at the invitation of His Excellency Mr Jakaya Mrisho Kiwkete, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and he will be accompanied by his administrative assistant Mikatazo Wakumelo.
The former President has expressed gratitude to His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, the President of the Republic of Zambia, for allowing him to travel.
___________________________________________________________
The First ever lusaka carnival is on its way and its jam packed with all kinds of fun from the actual parade to competitions and live performances from some of africas finest artists.
Come and watch Zonefam, Pompi, Mampi ,JK, Petersen , Mutinta , Cleo icequeen and international performers Hip Hop Pansula HHP (South Africa), Dj Waxxy (Nigeria), Taye Grinn (Malawi) and the legendary Mr 50/50 Mandoza perform at the up and coming Lusaka carnival and travel expo 0n the 25th-27th of april 2014 and get to meet Big brother star Pokello. Loads of exciting stuff at our first ever carnival. nobody can miss it, looking forward to seeing you there.
All the stops are being pulled off to ensure that the three day event is by far the most epic carnival hosted in africa. Tickets available at Airtel outlets and you will also be able to buy at the entrance .See you there
The events of the past few weeks in the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy makes very sad reading. The manner in which some of our senior party members have elected to conduct themselves is discomforting to the youths of the MMD.
As MMD youths, we have followed the events keenly and wish to register our disappointment with the conduct of Ms. Dora Siliya, Mr Tobias Kafumukache, Mr Lucky Mulusa, Mr Kapembwa Simbao, Dr Brian Chituwo and Dr Michael Kaingu.
We wish to place it on record that this group of very senior party leaders has gone to unprecedented heights in its attempts to mutilate the party constitution and eventually bury the MMD.
They have being on a crusade appearing on several media outlets discrediting the Office of the Party Presidency. They have also committed an abominable act by receiving support from our opponents with the sole aim of destabilizing the MMD.We find their actions despicable and an act of great betrayal.
We have picked up information that some members of this group have been sneaking into State House to confer with enemies of democracy and receiving support to weaken the MMD further.Our appeal is for the group members to immediately step aside as their allegiances are clearly at variance with the general belief and vision of the current MMD.It would be folly and unjust for these men and woman to continue with their selfish stay in the MMD.
Let them leave the MMD and join other political parties where their services may be required. As for the MMD, this mighty party is on the road to recovery and will not be distracted by men and women of little substance.
We wish to state that the planned National Executive Committee meeting will go ahead as scheduled. The MMD Die Hard will mobilise itself and protect the constitution of the party against anyone planning to disturb the holding of the NEC meeting.
The nation might wish to know the NEC meeting being opposed by this group is a deferred meeting which should be allowed to proceed. The last meeting resolved to defer the meeting after the item on filling the vacant position of party National Secretary was not resolved.
It would be suicidal for the MMD not to meet as NEC members regularly to strengthen each other in the quest for democratic development of the nation.As MMD youths, we are however not surprised that the MMD is again engulfed in these bitter wrangles. The latest wrangles go to confirm that MMD is still a very attractive political organisation and that our rivals are working day and night to see to it that the MMD crumbles.
This group of noise markers does not even qualify to be called politicians. As National Coordinator of the Die Hard, I have greater experience in politics that all these noise markers put together.
I was doing active grass root politics on the Copperbelt when Ms. Siliya was reading news at ZNBC. I was working with the youths in the party when Mr Mulusa was a mere clerk at Solwezi Cooperative Society. I continued with my work in the party as Dr Chituwo was a medical officer in Kabwe and Dr Kaingu was eating pigs at Kozo Lodge while Kapembwa Simbao was a mere engineer at ZAMEFA in Luanshya. I fully understand why we need to protect the MMD constitution because MMD is a mother of democracy in Zambia and should be protected at all costs.
Issued by: Bowman Lusambo-MMD Die Hard National Youth Coordinator
The Auditor General’s Office has released the latest report on Parastatal Bodies for the financial year ended December 31,2012 with financial irregularities totally over one trillion Kwacha.
Public Relations Officer, Ellen Chikale says the report shows an overall tone of poor performance owing to internal control lapses.
Ms. Chikale says this means that the institution lacks a strategic direction, has inadequate checks and balances and disregards the legislation that established it.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.
She says other issues highlighted include poor management of contracts, poor financial performance, poor infrastructure management and poor management of pension funds.
The Report examines a number of parastatals and government funded institutions that include the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, Electoral Commission of Zambia, The Judiciary, The University of Zambia, Times Printpak Zambia Limited and Indeni.
Others are the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, National Airports Corporation Limited, Zambia Railways Limited, Zambia Development Agency, National Pension Scheme Authority, Zambia Wildlife Authority and ZSIC Group of Companies among others.
The major issues raised in this report are lack of strategic plans, failure to produce financial statements and failure to constitute boards of directors.
In addition, the Report also mentions 21 statutory and parastatal bodies that had not produced audited financial statements on the accounts for the financial year ended 31st December 2012.
Ms. Chikale says the institutions include the Coffee Board of Zambia, Cotton Board of Zambia, Livestock Development Trust, Cotton Development Trust and Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia.
Mpulungu Harbour, Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission, Zambia Environmental Management Agency, National Housing Authority and Times Printpak are also on the list.
Others are the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Zambia Printing Company, Zambia Institute of Mass Communication Trust and the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute.
The Zambia Postal Services Corporation, Mukuba Hotel, Development Bank of Zambia, ZAMCAPITAL, Lusaka Trust Hospital and the Zambia Education Publishing House also did not produce audited financial statements.
MMD acting National Secretary Cheembe Nyangu says he does not expect any disruption of the much anticipated National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting slated for this Saturday April 26th.
Mr. Nyangu said that he has not received any formal objections to the holding of the NEC meeting this Saturday which will be an indoor gathering for bonafide NEC members only.
Mr. Nyangu told Qfm News in an interview that he has been assured by party President Dr. Nevers Mumba that the party leadership will take charge to ensure that the meeting is not interrupted, adding that any violent acts from any youth group in the party will not be tolerated.
Mr. Nyangu says the NEC meeting to be held this Saturday at a venue he could not disclose is a continuation of the last meeting that was held on 17th March, adding that the holding of the extraordinary convention is not part of the agenda.
He said that the main agenda of the April 26th NEC meeting will be the election of the new National Secretary as well as dealing with issues relating to the party’s participation in the forthcoming by-elections.
Mr. Nyangu said that so far the only candidate who has formally shown interest to take up the position of party National Secretary is MMD presidential Spokesperson Muhabi Lungu.
Yesterday, Michael Kaingu, the party vice president in-charge of politics warned that the NEC meeting was a recipe for violence and was pushing for Police intervention to block the planned meeting.
Dr Kaingu insisted that the party should first address issues of the holding of the national convention to elect new leaders instead of holding a NEC meeting.
He said he would today continue pressing for the Police to stop the meeting from going ahead.
“As far as we are concerned we are going to the Police today at 09:00 hours to put it on record and to stop the meeting because even if we engage Police to protect the area, what if a fight breaks out inside the meeting where there is no Police presence, we don’t violence,” he said.
He said the NEC meeting should be put on hold until contentious issues surrounding the convention were thoroughly tackled.
In opposing Mr Lungu’s planned endorsement, Dr Kaingu said that this was not possible as the NEC meeting would not be held.
“As far as we are concerned that will not happen. He cannot go unopposed because there will be no meeting and therefore no elections,” he said.
However, Mr Nyangu warned MMD members against engaging in violence saying it would not be in the interest of the former ruling party.
“I have been instructed by the office of the president to go ahead and call for the NEC meeting as planned. We have been assured that there will be no violence,” Mr Nyangu said.
Mr Nyangu warned Bowman Lusambo, the self proclaimed, MMD Die Hard youth leader against perpetrating violence and that the party did not have such a structure.
Mr Nyangu described Mr Lusambo as an undisciplined member and was not backed by the party.
He assured Dr Kaingu not to have any fear ahead of the NEC meeting.
“People like Kaingu are our products, he is just a lost son, and if it wasn’t for us he would not have been MMD veep. It is highly unnecessary for Kaingu to think we can attack him. These people are just scared of their own shadows,” he said.
On the endorsement of Mr Lungu as national secretary, Mr Nyangu said he was the only member that applied for the position when it was advertised and that he would go unopposed.
“We advertised the position and no one applied except Mr Lungu and as NEC there is nothing we can do because people did not apply and the only person we have is Mr Lungu as the sole candidate,” he said.
