By D Maswahu:-

Please allow me to register a few stray thoughts with regard to Rupiah Banda’s threat (or is that a promise?) to dethrone Chieftainess Nkomeshya. There is some depth to this threat which all Zambians need to be aware of. It is no idle threat or the ranting of a mad man and we need must take heed.

Firstly, I am shocked that fellow chiefs particularly those of the paramount variety are keeping quiet like virgins threatened with deflowerment. Do they not realise that if the threat or promise materialises, tomorrow they will tail-between-legs be hounded out of their cockroach and rat-infested palaces at gun point??

Secondly, I am utterly astounded that the police and electoral commission (namely Kabonde and that woman who doesn’t need alcohol to loosen her tongue) are hiding behind their worn out desks and keeping silent as if their tongues are glued to the roof of their mouths with stolen peanut butter.

This is the principle consideration; we must all remember that before there was Zambia, long before there was Northern Rhodesia and the protectorate that preceded it there were scattered but very distinctive chiefdoms and kingdoms in the the same geographical locality cradled by the mighty Zambezi.

Zambia today exists as a very delicate mixture of the traditional and modern sovereigns. Both command power over who owns or has rights to land. Elementary forensic analysis will tell those paying enough attention that there is some corner of Chieftainess Nkomeshya’s backyard that Rupiah Banda wishes to allocated to or has promised some well-oiled foreign infestor for a pot of beans and a decent back-hand.

The two score or so period of MMD governance has been punctuated by glaring irregularities in land allocation that has passed over from the grasp of traditional rulers. In one word – greed. Land has been allocated to companies (of Chinese and other origin) and party sympathisers who are emotionally, materially and mentally imprisoned to fund the MMD campaign; they can not do otherwise as they are understandably protecting the miserable investments which they can not take into the next life. The money that these companies are providing the MMD behind our backs rightly belongs to the people of Zambia, high and low, chief and subject.

Please now allow me to speak directly. Listen closely as the courage to speak now may be blown away by a whirl-wind of cowardice.

[pullquote] I am utterly astounded that the police and electoral commission (namely Kabonde and that woman who doesn’t need alcohol to loosen her tongue) are hiding behind their worn out desks and keeping silent as if their tongues are glued to the roof of their mouths with stolen peanut butter.[/pullquote]

With all due disrespect (which you have earned), President Rupiah Banda, have you and those in your camp become so desperate that you have forgotten your roots, that you must insult the seed from which all that we now enjoy comes from? You are so busy bribing us with what already belongs to us, you need to stop for a few minutes and contemplate the path your are treading. Because of the sovereignty vested in Chieftainess Nkomeshya, threatening her is tantamount to threatening all her subjects at one level and threatening every other traditional ruler and their subjects at another level. It is essentially an act of war, an invitation to violence, a call to arms. Lucifer lost his place in heaven because of treading exactly the same path you are now treading; his greed for more and more ended in unrestrained and open violence against the same individual who provided the wealth he enjoyed – the Creator himself.

General Miyanda is only partially right is demanding and immediate and urgent apology – that apology must be extended to all of us at home and abroad. And ultimately to his Creator if he still believes in one. President Banda is by these remarks is directly fuelling and fomenting violence and the law must take it’s course in order to preserve the peace that we all value. Failure to register an unreserved and sincere apology (which we have the right not to accept) should have the administrators of the law swiftly knocking at Bwezani Banda’s door. He has by this single threat disqualified himself for the high office of president and what remains is for those who know that their allegiance is to the people of Zambia to do the needful.

That campaign money from mining companies and parastatals has the name Zambia not Rupiah Banda on it. Those hospitals and roads, it is simply the duty of your office and you expect us to demonstrate thanks by voting you back into office? Please tell me, tell us what you did to raise the demand and price of copper and related metals on the world metal markets since you are so keen on taking credit for something that you had absolutely nothing to do with beyond the accident of being born Zambian which same accident we all share with you.

If you do not feel shame after my very strong words, the greed and subsequent violence that is in your heart will be multiplied many many times. Is this the legacy, the inheritance that you honestly wish to leave us in your twilight years? The violence that visited the late  Ronald Penza was not random and those privy to the background of that assassination would do well to remember him.

My fellow Zambians, these are the few simple thoughts I have to share with you. May the God of peace be with all of us and give us the heart to forgive our elder brother and father if he arrives at that point in his thoughts.

And to General Miyanda, I must acknowledge your wisdom in advising reconciliation. Please do not give up hope even though there were more damaged votes than people who voted for you at the last election. There is much wisdom in a united opposition and we would be all the better if this was the case.

The ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) says it will accept defeat if it loses the forthcoming elections to the opposition.

MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu says although it would be unfortunate, the party would still accept defeat because president Rupiah Banda has made it clear.

In an interview with QFM in Lusaka today, Mr. Nyangu has however stated that it is very impossible for the opposition to win because they are not prepared for the elections.

Mr. Nyangu says the writings on the wall are clear enough that the MMD is winning the elections with a large margin.

The MMD deputy national secretary says the opposition will be shocked to see the MMD back in government after 20th September

QFM

Quick action by police in Mangango in Western Province prevented Patriotic Front-PF Leader Michael Sata from being lynched by irate UPND cadres on Thursday.

This was after Mr. Sata went to Mangango hoping to meet his members, only to find UPND cadres gathered at the place.

The UPND cadres got incensed by Mr. Sata’s presence and charged towards the PF leader.

But police responded swiftly, rescuing and whisking him away in a Mangango police vehicle to another place.

Mr. Sata was later led to a place where his cadres had gathered.

Police Spokesperson Ndandula Siamana has confirmed the development to ZNBC News in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, President Rupiah Banda says he will deal firmly with anyone advocating violence ahead of the September 20 Polls.

President Band says no one should be allowed to advocate violence and that Zambians must be allowed to vote in peace.

President was speaking in Lukulu on Thursday when he addressed a mammoth rally at Fernando grounds.

President Banda says as long as he is republican president the country will remain peaceful and those going around fanning violence will be dealt with so that Zambians can enjoy their democratic right peacefully on September 20.

He has urged MMD members not to accept provocation from any one and urged other political leaders to stand up and denounce violence.

And the President has appealed to the MMD to campaign in a positive manner ahead of the polls.

He says the MMD must use the few days that have remained before the elections to tell people the massive development projects implemented in the three years that he has been in office.

He says the MMD has worked and development is there for everyone to see across the country.

The president is accompanied by United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota and Veteran Politician Vernon Mwaanga and other party officials.

ZNBC

Several Non Governmental Organizations have urged the Patriotic Front to withdraw Michael Sata as its presidential candidate for the sake of his health.

Forum for Leadership Search Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo says it is unfortunate that the PF has continued to subject Mr Sata to strenuous work when they know he has been unwell.

Mr Lifwekelo says it is not too late for the PF to withdraw Mr Sata in order to save his life.

He says the PF should allow other people to do campaigns for Mr Sata instead of stressing him with a lot of work.

He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Thursday.

And Die-hard for RB National Coordinator Bowman Lusambo has expressed concern over the reported poor health of Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata.

And Mr Lusambo says it is clear that the PF leader is not in good health, as pressure is mounting on him to go to State House.

Mr Lusambo says the PF has nothing to offer to Zambians.

He says president Banda and the MMD government have worked tirelessly to improve the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Mr Lusambo has called for the immediate arrest of Chongwe PF parliamentary candidate Silvia Masebo.

He says Ms Masebo must be investigated and arrested for allegedly inciting violence during her campaigns.

[ZNBC]

President Rupiah Banda is on Thursday Rupiah Banda is on Thursday expected in Mongu, Western Province for a two day working visit.

According to a programme released by the Western Province administration, the President is expected to arrive in Mongu in the afternoon.

President Banda is on Friday expected to call on the Litunga at his Limulunga palace.

President Banda will later address a stakeholders meeting at Mongu trades.

The President will in the afternoon address a public rally at Mulambwa grounds before leaving the district.

Meanwhile, Former Information Minister Stan Kristafor says the opposition has failed to offer any credible alternative to the MMD government.

Dr Kristafor says this is because the MMD government has managed to build a solid foundation in the last 20 years.

He has advises Zambians to vote wisely and reject politicians inciting violence.

Dr Kristafor has told ZNBC News in an interview that Zambians should base their votes on the in-roads the MMD government has achieved.

And Independent Churches of Zambia board chairperson Reverend David Masupa has urged the electorate to continue upholding peace in the country.

Reverend Masupa has also praised government for facilitating national prayers for peaceful elections, encompassing different faiths in the country.

ZNBC

MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has been summoned by police over the violence experienced in Chongwe last weekend.

Lusaka Division commanding Officer Mhlakeni Zulu says police have summoned Mr Banda over allegations that he played a part in the Chongwe violence.

Mr Zulu told journalists Thursday morning at his office this that Mr Banda is expected at the Central Police on Friday for a warn and caution statement.

Mr Zulu has urged members of the public to be patient with police as they investigate the matter.

He has called for peace ahead of the September 20 general elections, further warning that police will not tolerate violence.

And Police in Luanshya have detained a twenty-five-year old youth for allegedly assaulting a member of the Patriotic Front PF.

The youth assaulted the PF members after he allegedly stoned a vehicle of an independent parliamentary candidate during campaigns for the September 20 General Election.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Martin Malama has named the arrested youth as Chrispin Sabili a supporter of an independent parliamentary candidate in Roan Constituency.

Dr. Malama has told ZNBC News in Kitwe that the young man was arrested Wednesday night when he allegedly assaulted twenty-nine-year old Brian Mulenga a PF cadre, who sustained a swollen upper lip.

The Copperbelt Police Chief explained on Thursday that the political difference between the two youths happened when the PF cadre allegedly stoned a vehicle for an independent candidate, Dennis Mwamba who was campaigning in Roan Constituency.

Dr. Malama says the PF cadre, a driver by occupation, later lodged a complaint to police about the alleged assault.

He says police are investigating the circumstances of the incident while the suspect is in custody.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwamba the independent parliamentary candidate has also lodged a complaint to police that some unknown people broke the right rear windscreen of his vehicle.

Dr. Malama says a complaint of malicious damage has been received from the independent candidate though no arrest has been made yet over the broken vehicle.

ZNBC

Kabwata Patriotic Front aspiring candidate Given Lubinda has appealed to United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema to stop attacking the Patriotic Front in his campaign messages.

Mr. Lubinda says Mr. Hichilema should not be bitter with the Patriotic Front for his failures as he decided to leave the pact on his own.

Speaking recently, Mr.Lubinda says it is unfortunate that Mr. Hichilema has resorted to insulting the PF as he is now regretting having pulled out of the pact.

He has however wished the UPND leader the best in his campaigns stating that electorates would feel pity and give him some votes.

Mr. Lubinda has since advised the UPND to mind its own business in its campaigns rather than attacking the Patriotic Front

QFM