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National Restoration party (NAREP) President Elias Chipimo Junior has charged that a lot of things have gone wrong in the country ever since the Patriotic Front came to power.
Mr. Chipimo cites the mealie meal shortages in the country, unemployment and disrespect of court orders as some of the wrongs things happening.
He says the PF has betrayed the trust of the Zambian people by failing to fulfill campaign promises the party made prior to the 2011 elections.
Mr Chipimo adds that the PF stand no chance of winning the 2016 elections, stating that the people Zambia want a government that will address the various challenges they are facing.
He tells QFM News that the PF’s victory in the 2011 elections was not because the people of Zambia wanted the party, but that it was because Zambians wanted to get rid of the MMD which they had become fade up with.
He says the Zambian people will get rid of the PF the same way they got rid of the MMD.
And Mr. Chipimo has appealed to the PF government to respect court decisions.
He notes that it is not just with former president Rupiah Banda’s case where the government has exhibited disrespect towards the courts but many other cases such as that of the UPND rally in Kanyama which the police stopped.
President Michael Sata is tomorrow the 14th of April expected in Western province for a one day visit.
According to an official programme released by the Provincial Administration in Mongu today, Mr Sata who is scheduled to arrive in Mongu at 09:00 hours will pay a courtesy call on his Majesty the Litunga shortly after his arrival.
After the courtesy call the President will then leave Mongu for Mitete district where he is expected to hold two political rallies at Mitete and Muyondoti areas respectively to drum up support for PF candidate Eileen Imbwae in the Lukulu West By-election to be held on the 23rd April, 2013.
President Sata is expected to depart Mongu for Lusaka at 16:45 hours.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema waves at his supporters when he arrived for the Kabwata rally.
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has stated that he is not afraid to challenge the PF government and President Michael Sata over governance issues.
Mr Hichilema said he was ready to be jailed for the sake of Zambians and vowed to speak out on several national issues affecting the country.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Kapiri Mposhi yesterday to drum up support for UPND candidate Lawrence Zimba in the 23rd April parliamentary by-election, Mr Hichilema charged that the PF lied to the people of Zambia during their campaigns in the run up to the 2011 general elections.
“I am not afraid to say that the PF lied during their campaigns in 2011… I repeat, I am not afraid… I used to be scared but after President Sata threw me in cells several times, I am not afraid. I am ready to go in cells even 200 times for the sake Zambians,” Mr Hichilema said.
And Mr Hichilema has claimed that the ruling PF wants to create a one party state by enticing opposition Members of Parliament (MP) to ditch their political parties and join the ruling party.
“Why are we having by-elections soon after another by-election? The PF are causing these unnecessary by-elections because they want to introduce a one party state . . . they want to introduce dictatorship… but we say no we don’t want . . . we do not want dictatorship we want democracy,” Mr Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema has alleged that the PF government has no policy on agriculture.
He said the UPND will ensure that the challenges being faced in the agriculture sector were addressed.
[pullquote] I used to be scared but after President Sata threw me in cells several times, I am not afraid.[/pullquote]
“PF has no policy on agriculture. They have a poor agricultural marketing policy. I am speaking as a farmer and Mr Zimba is a farmer. You cannot be distributing fertiliser to farmers in January or February that is why we are having increased prices in mealie-meal… as UPND we want to correct the situation,” he said.
“The PF government has failed in many ways. There are no medicines in clinics and hospitals and yet all of the sudden they have found money to buy chitenge for campaigns,” Mr Hichilema said.
“Teachers have no accommodation, orphans are not going to school but they are busy flying in choppers. Let me tell you, the PF government has failed to run this country,” Mr Hichilema said.
And Mr Zimba said he had been frustrated by the PF during the time he served as an MP for Kapiri Mposhi.
Mr Zimba said he would continue with his developmental programmes in Kapiri Mposhi once he is re-elected on the UPND ticket.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister, Richard Musukwa
Deputy Minister of Mines and Natural Resources, Hon. Richard Musukwa has told a meeting of investors in London that the recent policy change on the sale of Zambian emeralds is aimed at ensuring that the proceeds of the precious resource benefits the local people.
Addressing various concerns on the changes in the mining sector, Hon. Musukwa said it was wrong to suggest that the decision to compel Kagem Mine (Zambia’s leading emerald miner) to include Zambia on the Auction Circuit, is meant to stiffle the company operations.
To the contrary, the minister explained, the Zambian government (which owns a 25 percent stake in Kagem), wanted to bring about equity in the distribution of benefits from the precious stones sector.
“We are making Kagem more viable, we are growing the local gems market and increase Zambian participation in the auctions. Zambians must rise to this challenge. We want to re-establish the rapidaries and promote cutting and polishing of the gems locally,” he said.
“Obviously this may not sound good to those wishing to maintain the status quo (of auctioning Zambian emeralds gems abroad only). Our aim is to see value-addition on the Zambian gems. I urge international partners to support the Lusaka auctions in the same way they support Kagem’s international auctions.”
The inclusion of Zambia on the Auction Circuit would result in massive investments into host communities.
The changes will also help government curb secondary and illegal dealers who are undermining both the industry and the government in terms of tax losses due to evasion.
MMD president Nevers Mumba has accused Patriotic Front (PF) party of buying opposition councilors with KR1, 500. Featuring on a live ‘political hour programme’ on Breeze FM in Chipata yesterday, Dr Mumba alleged that the PF was busy buying councillors like onions, tomatoes and other cheap food stuffs from the market.
He said the ruling PF was now targeting MMD councillors to be recruited to destabilise the former ruling party. Dr Mumba challenged MMD councillors to be mindful before defecting to the ruling party and consider women who sacrificed their time to give them a vote on the MMD ticket.
He challenged MMD councillors to remain firm as the former ruling party would bounce back to power in 2016. Dr Mumba explained that the PF was capable of losing the 2016 elections because of the numerous mistakes it was making in Government which he said has also confused the devil.
Dr Mumba also accused the PF of being involved in poaching the opposition Members of Parliament (MPs). He has also advised Government to listen to the concerns being raised by people that the ruling party was encouraging by-elections.
Dr Mumba also commended expelled MMD national secretary Major Richard Kachingwe for organising one of the best conventions in MMD last year.
Dr Mumba also accused District Commissioners (DCs) in the country as position political party opponents. But Government has dismissed the allegation as baseless.
[pullquote]Dr Mumba explained that the PF was capable of losing the 2016 elections because of the numerous mistakes it was making in Government which he said has also confused the devil.[/pullquote]
Information and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Mwansa Kapeya said District Commissioners were pure civil servants who should not be dragged into political madness by Dr Mumba.
“That accusation is not true that DCs are political cadres because as far as I am concerned DCs are civil servants who should not be dragged into politics,”Mr Kapeya said.
Dr Mumba said the DCs in the country have been used to campaign for the ruling party instead of implementing Government programmes.
He said the role of the DCs had been reduced to political cadres instead of working as civil servants who were mandated to foster Government programmes.
“MMD is viewing the district commissioners in the country as our political opponents because their activities are that of cadres of campaigning for the party in power,”Dr Mumba said.
Meanwhile Dr Mumba said his arrests do not have any impact on him as he has the power of God in all that he does.
He said he would not stop to speak on wrong things for fear of being detained because PF Government would not shut his mouth even in jail.
He explained that he took long to start the country tour because the PF, has been disturbing him and the party by detaining him in everything that he does.
Dr Mumba advised MMD members to be strong even if their members were being persecuted because they were fighting for the second independence as everyone who speaks suffers an arrest.
He said that he initiated a new hope tour in Eastern Province to restructure the party from the ward up to province level.
The MMD President also said he wanted to prepare the party for the general elections in 2016 to get back the power from PF.
I have become aware of your comment on my Statement of 9th April 2013 but I refuse to engage in any polemics with you, sir. I feel that you did not read my statement or if you did you did not understand it.
But I accept your challenge for me to justify my statement. However to avoid me going on a country-wide debate I have a counter challenge and I ask for “further and better particulars” from you or your Government to enable me prepare a focused response:
I shall be contending that the President DID NOT AND HAS NEVER invoked powers under Articles 33 and 44 when he established the Committee of Experts (or is it the Technical Committee); if you insist that he did so please indicate the date of promulgation and the specific instrument thereof.
[pullquote]Further, I urge you to encourage our President to address the nation live then we might find that it is not necessary to criticise the Government.He was able to address foreigners again; let him address us, his own people.[/pullquote]
I hope that there is no cover up of the President’s omission. Is your statement the official position of the Government? I have perused Article 33, and I notice that this refers to the establishment of the Office of President.
Further Article 44 is referring to the functions of the President: both are general powers. Do you or your Government still maintain that the President relied on these provisions?
I welcome your joining this debate and I shall await your response for at least 24 hours before responding. But please avoid personalising the debate and instruct your Government Gazettes to fully cover me when I begin to copy to them since they had been ignoring my statements.
Further, I urge you to encourage our President to address the nation live then we might find that it is not necessary to criticise the Government.
He was able to address foreigners again; let him address us, his own people.
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
HERITAGE PARTY
[12th April 2013]
FILE: Community health workers demonstrating how a mosquito net is supposed to be spread when sleeping
Lack of sports equipment in Gwembe district is forcing youths to use insecticide treated mosquito nets as goal post nets.
This came to light during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) stakeholders meeting yesterday.
In the report presented by the social sector under health department, it was heard that freely distributed insecticide treated mosquito nets to Gwembe community as a malaria control measure, are now being used as sports equipment by some sports youth groups in the district.
The health department has described the trend as a health concern as mosquito nets are not serving the core purpose of preventing malarial cases in the district.
It was further heard that in areas along Lake Kariba, mosquito nets are being used as fishing nets.
Presenting the report however, Dr. Mwiinde observed that there has been a reduction in use of mosquito nets for catching fish following the awareness campaign that the health department had been conducting.
Dr. Mwiinde said that there is need for traditional leaders to be brought on board to help sensitise communities on the proper use of insecticide treated mosquito nets.
President Michael Sata is tomorrow expected in Kapiri Mposhi district where he is scheduled to address three public rallies to drum-up support for ruling PF candidate Eddie Musonda in the 23rd April Kapiri Mposhi constituency by-elections.
According to the program released to ZANIS by Kapiri Mposhi District Commissioner, Beatrice Sikazwe today, Mr Sata will arrive in Kapiri Mposhi at 09:05 hours at Ngabwe where he is expected to pay a courtesy call on Chief Ngabwe and later on hold a political rally at Ngabwe Basic School.
Mr Sata will then proceed to Liombe where he will address a rally after paying a courtesy call on Senior Chief Chipepo of the Lenje people.
The President will later at 16:00 hours address a public rally at Kapiri Mposhi Town Center ground.
He is expected to depart for Lusaka at 17:00 hours.
The Kapiri Mposhi constituency by-election was necessitated after the Supreme Court nullification of Lawrence Zimba (MMD) as area Member of Parliament following a successful appeal by PF losing candidate, Eddie Musonda.
Mr Zimba has since been adopted by the opposition UPND to re-contest the seat while UNIP has fielded Francis Mwape.
Meanwhile, an officer from State House security personnel, which was First-Lady Christian Kaseba’s advance part to Kitwe, has died after their vehicle overturned along the Kitwe-Ndola dual carriageway.
The officer identified as superintendent Electra Hamwata died on the spot in the accident that happed around 16:00 hours near Zamtan area in Kitwe.
Ms Hamwata was with two others people identified as Aaron Sikalumbi and Charles Palati in a Nissan Hard Body, which travelling to Kitwe as an advance part to Dr Kaseba.
Dr Kaseba was in Kitwe for the burial of her late aunt Ruth Mwape Gondwe who was put to rest at Chingola Road cemetery in Kitwe.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Mary Tembo was not readily available to comment by press time.
But Dr Kaseba during church service of her late aunt shed tears as she confirmed the death of Ms Hamwata.
Dr Kaseba said the deceased officer was initially supposed to have travelled to Chipata in Eastern Province for other duties but opted to travel to Kitwe as she had personally known the first-lady’s late aunt.
She said it was while coming to Kitwe that she was involved in the accident which claimed her life.
United Party for National Development (UPND) has petitioned the election of PF’s Lawrence Evans as Livingstone Central Member of Parliament.
The UPND filed their petition before the Livingstone High Court today through their lawyers Mwimbu Muleza and Company.
The party has stated in their petition that the campaigns were marred with violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice by the PatrioticFront (PF) members and their agents.
In the petition, the party has also raised the arresting of its top leadership by the police as some of the reasons for their petition.
The UPND have also indicated that the reason for the postponement of the by election by the Electoral Commission of Zambia was as a result of the violence and intimidation.
The party said in their petitioned that it was clear going by the press statement which was released by the ECZ three days before the polls announcing the postponement of the by election that the elections were not free and fair.
According to the petition filed before the Livingstone high court, the UPND is praying that the election of Lawrence Evans as the duly elected Member of Parliament for Livingstone should be nullified due to various reasons stated in the petition.
In their press statement, the ECZ highlighted that the environment to conduct a free and fair election was not conducive hence the postponement.
And UPND Livingstone District spokesperson Neto Halwabala confirmed the development in Livingston today.
Mr. Halwabala said that it was an open secret that the election was not free and fair adding that it is from that perspective that the party resolved to petition.
Mr. Halwabala said that failing to petition the election would have resulted in being unfair to the people of Livingstone who are witnesses to the massive violence and intimidation which was perpetuated by the PF.
And Southern province PF Political Secretary Brain Hapunda says the party welcomes the petition and that this will give a chance for PF to expose UPND.
He said the party will accept the verdict of the court.
President Michael Sata has returned home from China where he had gone for a seven days state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
President Sata who arrived at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 14:20 hours local time aboard Emirates airline, was welcomed by Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu who was until then Acting President, Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba, Service Chiefs, Lusaka Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe, Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga and opposition New Revolution Party leader Cosmo Mumba.
Others on hand to receive the Head of State were Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Richard Musukwa, Patriotic Front officials, Chinese Deputy Ambassador in Zambia and some senior government officials.
The President was accompanied to China by his Press Aide George Chellah, Agriculture Minister Bob Sichinga, Emmanuel Chenda of Commerce, Effron Lungu of Foreign Affairs) and Communication and Transport Minister Christopher Yaluma and other senior government officials.
Whilst in China, President Sata witnessed the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding that would see Chinese companies set up bases in the Chambishi multi-facility economic zone which is the first to be pioneered by China in Africa by the Chinese government owned mining conglomerate, the China Non-Ferrous Metals Mining Company (CNMC).
The companies would bring among other things new state-of-the-art smelting technology meant to provide subsidiary services to the US$2 billion Chambishi copper smelter which has been CNMC’s largest offshore investment.
Mr Sata also asked for support and interested investors to set up a national airline in Zambia.
The President said Zambia was a spring-board to the entire SADC region which would bring benefits with entry of a national airline.
Mr Sata’s visit which is described as fruitful saw the signing of six bilateral agreements which would provide concessional loans and technical assistance from the Asian country to Zambia.
Unbeaten leaders Nkana’s perfect start to the FAZ Super Division season comes under test when they face Green Buffaloes in Saturday’s away Week Four match at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Masautso Mwale’s Nkana have nine points while Buffaloes, who are also unbeaten, have a win and two draws.
Nkana heads to Lusaka still without a win or draw in the Capital against Buffaloes since bouncing back to the elite league in 2010.
Coming into this game, Buffaloes skipper Dennis Banda has warned that Nkana should expect a tough match at Woodlands Stadium.
“It will be a tough match, we and Nkana are yet to lose and you know Nkana have won three games,” Banda said.
And Nkana coach Masauso Mwale said:”I have seen Green Buffaloes, it will be a good game.”
Ahead of this fixture Buffaloes draw 2-2 with Lime Hotspurs while Nkana beat Kalulushi Modern Stars 2-0.
Elsewhere, Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola will host Saturday’s doubleheader when Forest Rangers take on Nchanga Rangers at 13:00 hours and Zesco United entertain Napsa Stars in the late afternoon kickoff.
Zesco are looking for their first home win and welcome fit again striker Lottie Phiri who is available for selection.
In Lusaka, Red Arrows host town mates Nkwazi at Nkoloma Stadium while winless Roan United take on Kabwe Warriors at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.
The Linos Makwaza coached side Konkola Mine Police face Lime Hotspurs at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
On Sunday, under-fire Power Dynamos take on second placed Konkola Blades in a doubleheader at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe in a 15:00 hours kickoff.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s doubleheader will also see third placed Kalulushi Modern Stars take on Zanaco in a lunchtime kick off at Arthur Davies.
Bishop Joe Imakando and Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia president Reverand Pukuta Mwanza (l) confer
The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia has charged that the Patriotic Front government’s fight against corruption lacks credibility.
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director Pukuta Mwanza in an interview with QFM says there is nothing tangible that has been achieved in the corruption investigations that have been conducted so far.
Reverend Mwanza has challenged the investigative wings to win the confidence of the Zambian people by producing tangible results in their investigations.
He adds that the fight against corruption is further weakened by the fact that corruption is deep rooted in government departments and institutions.
Reverend Mwanza says the PF’s fight against corruption during the two years they have been in power is yet to yield results.
Judge Annie Sitali has granted Rupiah Banda’s lawyers judicial review of Parliament’s decision to lift his immunity saying procedure was not followed.
Former President Banda was challenging the removal of his immunity from prosecution by Parliament.The Defence team representing the former president is lead by Prof Patrick Mvunga other include Eric Silwamba and Sakwiba Sikota.
His lawyers stated that the decision of the National Assembly of Zambia to proceed and to remove his immunity on a simple majority of 80 out of a total of 158 MPs was illegal and irregular.
Mr Banda’s lawyers further stated that the decision of the National Assembly to deny him an opportunity to be heard and adopt a summary procedure prior to resolving that he was amenable to the jurisdiction of any criminal court was contrary to the principal of ‘no person should be condemned unheard’ was therefore illegal and irregular.
He added that the decision to move the motion without due and proper inquiry as to whether the allegations presented as grounds constituted acts performed in his personal or office capacity was illegal and irregular.
The former President also contended that it was unreasonable for Speaker Matibini to proceed with the motion notwithstanding that a petition challenging the state’s intention to lift his immunity had been filed at the High Court and therefore subjudice.
Government says it will setup more University Teaching Hospitals (UTHs) across the country in a bid to decongest Lusaka’s UTH, which is the country’s only national referral hospital.
Health Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga said government intends to create UTHs along the line of rail before considering extending the facilities to provincial centres.Mr Mulenga explained that government will soon start the process with the upgrading of Kitwe Central Hospital, Ndola Central Hospital and Livingstone General Hospital into full fledged University Teaching Hospitals.
ZANIS reports that the minister said this after touring some construction works of health centres in Milenge district of Luapula province.
He stated that after the completion of Kitwe Central Hospital, Ndola Central Hospital and Livingstone General Hospitals, government will then extend the programme to other provincial centres in the country.
Mr Mulenga said it was the intention of the PF government to upgrade some current General Hospitals to Central Hospitals so as to bring health services to the people as close as possible.He explained that the rationale behind the programme was to provide and spread health expertise and skills to other facilities across the country.
Currently, the country has only one UTH in Lusaka, which is overwhelmed with demand of health cases from around the country.He also disclosed that government plans to upgrade St. Pauls Mission Hospital in Nchelenge district to a General Hospital when financial resources permit and the programme would be done in phases.
And Luapula Province Minister, Benson Kapaya has disclosed that cholera has broken out in Chiengi district.
Brigadier General Kapaya said the district has so far recorded one case and health experts have already started testing samples of water to verify evidence of cholera.
Meanwhile, Mr Mulenga says there is urgent need to revise the current tender procedures if developmental programmes are to be done quickly as this has direct bearing on development.Mr Mulenga has since called for the immediate revision of the tender procedures which has been in place for years saying most government projects are being delayed to start off.
He wondered why the most recommendations by various parliamentary committees have not been incorporated to quicken the process.
Mr Mulenga noted that most of government projects have taken long to be done due to tender procedures hence affecting the smooth execution.
And Mr Mulenga was infuriated when he discovered that most construction works by some named Zambian contractors have stalled.
He also said that PF government is in a hurry to develop the country in line with its 2011 electoral promises and warned it will not hesitate to engage Chinese Construction firms whom he praised to be doing a commendable job.
Mr Mulenga said he would suggest to Cabinet to consider just allowing Chinese firms to get main construction works while Zambian firms to be subcontracted but should work closely with Chinese firms.
[ZANIS]
Information and Broadcasting Deputy Minister, Mwansa Kapeya (c)
Deputy Minister of information and broadcasting services Mwansa Kapeya has said Government has observed with dismay at opposition Heritage party leader Brig-General Godfrey Miyanda’s growing appetite for cheap publicity by issuing inflated and misleading statements which he cannot substantiate. He was reacting to a press statement issued recently by Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda.
Below is the Press statement by Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda as appeared in the Zambian Watchdog dated 9th April 2013
Zambians are habitually good at shooting themselves in the foot. When they identify that something is wrong or not backed by law, they nevertheless go ahead to support, promote and/or contribute to the same wrong thing! Just now there is a second circus that has been going on for some time now, unjustifiably gobbling up billions of Kwacha, in the name of writing the so-called new constitution without legal backing.
When we first used the term “Tower of Babel” against the fallen NCC we were roundly condemned. Later that NCC (the First Twin) died in the manner we had predicted, in the process leaving behind its twin sister, whose name is still not yet clear. The Second Twin Sister was first named “Committee of Experts” by the President but did not seem to have any experts in the name of draftsmen. The President also appointed three Catholic Bishops to sit on the committee, but they did not accept, confirming that ZEC were never consulted. No enabling Act with defined terms of reference was promulgated. Many citizens and civil society organisations, including Transparency International, cried foul but are now quiet.
The Government has to date not indicated under which law the creature came into existence. Previous ones used to be under the Inquiries Act which civil society condemned. But today there is not even the Inquiries Act or any other provision of the law – it is ‘Donchi Kubeba’ all over again. The persons sitting on this Committee later dubiously claimed that they were created under “Article 44” even though the President never indicated so.
When the President announced the establishment of this so-called “Committee of Experts”, he did NOT state under which law he had done that. Further he included a Cabinet Minister, the then Minister of Justice Hon Sebastian Zulu. Justifying the inclusion of the Minister, he stated that this would make it easier for the Committee to resolve problems that may arise in the course of their assignment since Minister Zulu who had direct access to the President would revert to him. This obviously meant that the President would be kept up to date on what was going on (was he a secret member of the committee?) No wonder the President always condemned the contents of reports being presented to him even BEFORE he had read them. He knew in advance what was in a report that had not yet been presented to him! Now we are told the Silungwe Committee will take their report to the President; under which provision? At least the NCC was created under an Act of Parliament, the NCC Act. What is our issue? It is that without an enabling law we, the People, remain at the mercy of the Executive to decide as they please.
I recall attending the last public meeting of the Committee at the Government Complex sometime in April 2012. The committee was about to embark on their paper trail of expensive but unjustified tours of the hinterland. Since there was no proper or legal definition, I asked them two questions: how were they going to decide who attends the regional meetings that they were embarking on? How will they decide which submissions to accept after the people have submitted? The Chairman, His Lordship Mr Justice Annel Silungwe, categorically stated that they would not allow new submissions but only comments. He avoided the second question. We ask this question again: how will the Committee decide which submissions or even comments to accept or not accept? What is their mandate to do so? Why should a Committee that was tasked to use existing materials decide to conduct their own plebiscite after the failed NCC fiasco? Is the President obliged to follow the recommendations that will be submitted by this irregular Committee? One of the Members of this Committee, Mr Kabanda, popularised the maxim “process protects content”. What law is his committee following?
A government of laws and not of men means one that respects and observes the law at all stages of an undertaking such as the constitution-making process. We are convinced that Zambians will once again be taken for a ride. With the routine poaching of opposition MPs, promoted by the President himself, the numbers in the National Assembly are daily being manipulated and inflated in favour of the Executive with no legal safeguards. Fellow Zambians, the writing is on the wall; do not come and say that we did not ‘kubeba’ you!
GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
HERITAGE PARTY
In reaction to this the PF Government issued the following statement through Hon Mwansa Kapeya,MP,Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting services
Government has observed with dismay, opposition Heritage party leader Brig-General Godfrey Miyanda’s growing appetite for cheap publicity by issuing inflated and misleading statements which he cannot substantiate.
His allegation that the ongoing constitution review process is illegal and a waste of money, as reported in the media, is a case in point.
The utterances are unfounded and uncharacteristic of a man who once held a high position of responsibility as Republican Vice President which demands a high level of integrity and honesty in dealing with serious national issues.
Contrary to Gen. Miyanda’s assertions, the current Constitution Review Process is a build-up on the previous but futile attempts by the MMD Government when they were in office.
In constituting the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution, His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata acted within the powers vested in him by the laws of Zambia, in particular, Articles 33 and 44 of the Republican Constitution.
There is no basis whatsoever that in appointing the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution, the Republican Constitution or any other law was breached.
The absence of a piece of legislation, especially designed to deal with the aspects of the constitutional reform being undertaken under the auspices of the Technical Committee Drafting the Zambian Constitution, does not in any way subtract from the legality and constitutionality of the ongoing constitution review process.
We challenge Gen. Miyanda to specify any illegality in the ongoing Constitution Review Process and how the absence of a legal framework, as he alleges, will hamper the successful delivery of a new Zambia Constitution.
Unlike the previous Governments, the Patriotic Front Government has demonstrated its utmost commitment to a people driven Constitution as evidenced by the process so far which has been highly transparent and participatory by the people of Zambia from all walks of life.
Interestingly, Gen. Miyanda and his Chairperson for Mobilisation Mr Godfrey Milambo, are delegates at the ongoing National Convention on the new Republican Constitution at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
It is therefore an act of extreme dishonesty and hypocrisy for Gen. Miyanda to play to the gallery by pretending to condemn the ongoing Constitution Review Process in which he is a participant.
Looking at the number of participants and the diverse sectors they represent ranging from youth and women organizations, students, traditional leaders, academia, the clergy, the labour movement, civil society, civil servants to political actors and other stakeholders from all corners of Zambia, Government is confident that the product that will come out of the ongoing National Convention on drafting the new republican Constitution, will meet the aspirations of the Zambian people.
Government further restates its commitment to delivering a people-driven Constitution and will not be swayed by undue and unwarranted criticism.
