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Ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Chisamba Member of Parliament Moses Muteteka has described the defection of late president Levy Mwanawasa’s son Patrick to the opposition Patriotic Front as a big blow to the Mwanawasa legacy.
The Deputy Minister reveals that he was grooming Patrick for future leadership in the MMD but has described it as unfortunate for Patrick to join the opposition.
Mr. Muteteka, who is also ruling MMD National Youth Chairman and a relative to late President Mwanawasa, said as a family they wished Patrick all the best but as a politician, he will meet him in the forthcoming campaigns.
[ MUVI ]
A few days ago, Patrick joined the Patriotic Front and applied to contest the Kafulafuta parliamentary seat on the PF ticket.
From the director of James Bond: Casino Royal, comes DC comics Green lantern.
The leader of the Green lanterns crush lands on Earth, before he dies he gives his ring to fighter pilot Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds ,despite the council’s general antipathy toward humans.
It’s up to him to save the world and possibly even the entire universe from a dangerous evil force know as Parallax, while also doing battle with an alien-infected mad scientist who is after Hal’s sometime girlfriend Carol Ferris/Blake Lively.
PRO’S
Good chemistry between Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds and Carol Ferris/Blake lively.
Ryan Reynolds added some humor to this movie.
Started off a bit slow but the last parts of the movie were amazing, and will have you on the edge of your seat.
There were excellent action scenes motivated by a brilliantly added ability in which the Green lantern/ Ryan Reynolds can visualize any weapon he wants to use in battle
CON’S
The movie relies too much on CGI , even the Green lanterns costume is CGI and does not look real at all.
The movie starts off like a documentary , and will have you wondering if you are watching the correct movie.
The story tends to drag at times, like they ran out of ideas.
There is a scene where Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds goes for a kid’s birthday party; it is not clear where the kid is his son, nephew or brother. The scene adds nothing to the plot of the movie.
There is another scene where Hal Jordan/Green lantern asks the other green lanterns for help to save Earth, they agree, but do nothing….
CONCLUSION
While not being a complete disappointment, it leaves you with a feeling that you are not completely satisfied. It feels like more of a warm up to the sequel which should be more exciting.
Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the movie, Ryan Reynolds was born to play a super hero, and his natural charisma was a huge asset to the role.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Green Lantern:In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power. Green Lantern’s light!
Hal Jordan/Green Lantern:Sorry I’ve gotta run. Make yourself at home okay, there’s… uhh… water in the tap!
Tomar-Re: The ring turns thought into reality. The only limits are what you can imagine.
FLASHBACK: Former president Dr Fredrick Chiluba with the first president Kaunda after they attended the launch of the Sixth National development plan at Mulungushi Conference Centre
FIRST republican President Kenneth Kaunda says he is sad to lose two of his successors in a short period of time.
Dr Kaunda told journalists after viewing the body of former President Frederick Chiluba that this is a sad moment for him and the people of Zambia.
He said difficult as it may be, citizens must be as strong as they were when President Mwanawasa died nearly three years ago.
“Let us all be strong and mourn in dignity,” Dr Kaunda said.
In the same interview, Dr Kaunda also said his wife Betty is well and that he does not know who started the rumour that she had passed away on Saturday.
And Bank of Zambia governor Caleb Fundanga said the current economic framework was set up by Dr Chiluba.
He said Zambia would not have survived the 2008 global financial crisis had Dr Chiluba not liberalised the economy and put in place good policies.
Dr Chiluba’s former press aide Richard Sakala said the death of his former boss has bridged Zambians across political divide.
He said for people like himself (Mr Sakala) that worked with Dr Chiluba, it is consoling to see so many Zambians mourning their former leader.
Former Deputy Minister of Finance in Dr Chiluba’s government, Dan Pule said Dr Chiluba was a good leader who instilled Christian values in his ministers.
Dr Pule said Dr Chiluba would always begin Cabinet meetings with a prayer.
Opposition Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata this morning paid his last respects to Late Second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba.
Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has confirmed the development to Qfm in an interview.
Mr. Kabimba says the PF leader viewed the body of Dr. Chiluba at 08:30 hours at the Mulungushi International Conference Center.
Mr. Sata served in various portfolios in the late former President’s government before he resigned to form the Patriotic Front party in 2001.
The PF leader has however come under heavy criticism since the demise of Dr. Chiluba, with ruling MMD cadres vowing to bar him from attending the late former President’s funeral.
FLASHBACK:Zesco’s Winston Kalengo (right) tries to beat his Zanaco marker Morgan Kanjolo during yesterday’s game played at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka .
Zanaco coach Wedson Nyirenda has said he is happy to see his team at the top of the table in the midst of a rebuilding process.
Zanaco are leading the Super Division table on goal difference on 22 points from 12 matches played.
The Sunset side suffered a mass exodus of nine players at the start of the season raising concerns as to whether Zanaco would mount any serious challenge this season.
Nyirenda has since brought in five unknowns into the team from the lower ranks in the league that has so far paid off.
Moses Phiri, Peter Zulu, Lottie Nyimibili and Ziyo Tembo all from Young Zanaco are now regulars at Zanaco since the start of this season.
“Before only big names came to Zanaco. It was unheard of before for Zanaco to bring unknown and young players to build a team,” Nyirenda said.
“We are now building for a Zanaco team not for today but for the next four to ten years and that is the legacy we want to leave.”
Phiri and Tembo have already made a noticeable impact at Zanaco scoring goals four and two goals respectively so far this season with Zanaco.
“We even have a defender defender Daniel Sakala from a division 3 team Breton Shooting Stars in the team which was unheard of in the past,” Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, Zanaco face Red Arrows who are also on 22 points in their final game before the two-week mid-season break on July 2 with an eye on remaining top of the table.
The United Party for National Development-UPND in Mongu has castigated PF leader Michael Sata for failing to attend Dr. Chiluba’s funeral.
UPND Mongu District Vice Chairperson Zita Sipalo says Mr. Sata should have buried his political differences and join in mourning Dr. Chiluba with dignity.
Ms. Sipalo says it is unfortunate that Mr. Sata who is aspiring to become President can stay away from a former president’s funeral.
And Mongu District Commissioner Jethrow Mumbuwa has condemned political parties that have opted to politicise the death of second Republican president Dr. Frederick Chiluba.
Mr. Mumbuwa says he is also saddened that some opposition political leaders have decided to demonise Dr. Chiluba even when he is dead.
He told ZNBC News in Mongu that Zambia should reject leaders that fail to respect the dead in society.
Mr Sata has not been to Dr Chiluba’s funeral fueling growing concern that he is not in good health.
“And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us…”
(Ephesians 5:2, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In today’s culture, we don’t often hear the word esteem used very much, yet, scripture tells us to esteem and delight in one another. One definition of esteem is to hold in high regard. That means we are to honor and value one another. Even if we don’t always agree with one another, even if they don’t necessarily act honorably, we are to honor and esteem others because they are valuable in the eyes of God.
Think of it this way: if you had a costly and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn’t just wear it to the gym or leave it on the kitchen sink. No, you would treat it carefully. You would put it in a safe place and protect it. Well, when we see others as valuable the way God sees them, we will treat them carefully as well. We should be careful in the way we talk to others. We should look for the good in them and honor them for who God made them to be.
The Bible tells us that the way we treat others is like sowing seed, and it will come back to you. Choose to esteem and delight in one another. Sow good seeds, and you will see a harvest of blessing in your own life in return!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose love. I choose to honor the people around me. Help me to see the value in others the way You see the value in me. Help me to esteem and delight in others with my actions and words so that I can be an example of Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Soldiers guard Dr Chiluba's casket at Mulungushi international conference centre
THE FAMILY of former President Dr Frederick Chiluba has said there was no chief in Luapula who requested that the body of the former President be taken to Mansa for viewing because it would be against their tradition.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, family spokesperson Ben Mwila, who is member of Parliament for Nchelenge, said there was no such demand by chiefs in Luapula Province.
“The chiefs have not requested us to take the body to Mansa. In fact we say in our tradition that a dead man does not visit you, it is you who visit a dead man. How can you get a dead body to visit you, is it possible?” Mr. Mwila, who is Dr Chiluba’s cousin, said.
He said chiefs usually make such requests through the House of Chiefs, but as chairman of the bereaved family, he was sure that chiefs in Luapula had not requested for Dr Chiluba’s body.
Mr Mwila said the only representation chiefs had made was to request for transport to ferry them to Lusaka and that government sent transport yesterday for traditional rulers and other mourners in all provinces.
He said these mourners are expected in Lusaka today and most likely will view the body today.
Mr Mwila said this arrangement was not only for Luapula mourners, but chiefs and mourners in all the provinces of Zambia.
He was reacting to a story in The Post suggesting that government denied the chiefs’ request to fly Dr Chiluba’s body to Mansa for body viewing.
A story also claimed there were disagreements in the Chiluba family over the choice of his casket and that this annoyed some bereaved family members.
Mr Mwila said it was unfortunate that some sections of the media enjoy associating the Chiluba name with negativity despite the important role Dr Chiluba played in enhancing media freedom.
Mr Mwila said The Post, which he called a small newspaper, failed to bring DrChiluba down because he died a hero.
He said there was no need and it will be a futile mission to bring down DrChiluba because he is dead.
“They failed to bring FJT down when he was President. He has died a hero,” Mr Mwila said.
[pullquote]“The chiefs have not requested us to take the body to Mansa. In fact we say in our tradition that a dead man does not visit you, it is you who visit a dead man. How can you get a dead body to visit you, is it possible?” Mr. Mwila,[/pullquote]
He said the media should appreciate the role Dr Chiluba played in liberalising the media.
“They called him names, they said things against him, he never responded; why? Because he wanted to liberalise the media to ensure that the Press is a real mirror of the nation,” Mr Mwila said.
He said the country was almost bankrupt when Dr Chiluba ascended to power, while the media operated in a hostile environment.
“He has liberalised the country in such a way that even you members of the Press do not have to look over your shoulders to say something,” Mr Mwila said.
Mr Mwila said the country should not bury all the achievements of Dr Chiluba on account of mistakes because no-one is perfect.
“FJT made a lot of mistakes, but he made a myriad of accomplishments. So let us not bury what he achieved as President of the Republic of Zambia,” Mr Mwila said.
Mr Mwila called for unity and reconciliation in the nation in order to move forward.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders and their subjects in Kawambwa are demanding an apology from individuals and media houses that demonised and persecuted late second republican President Frederick Chiluba soon after he left the presidency in 2001 WALLEN SIMWAKA and JERRY MUNTHALI reports from Kawambwa.
Chief Munkanta of the Chishinga people of Kawambwa district said his subjects are not happy that Dr Chiluba became a victim of his own democratic and economic successes.
Chief Munkanta, who presides over sub-chiefs Kabila, Chitondo, Matende, Kabanda, Ntenke and Muyembe, said late DrChiluba together with other courageous Zambians broke the one partystate ideology and brought freedom of speech and association to Zambians.
Chief Munkanta said in an interview at his palace on Friday that although Zambia was independent during the one party state era, citizens were still in bondage in terms of freedom of speech, expression, association and economic empowerment.
The traditional leader, who was Dr Chiluba’s uncle, said it is disheartening that some politicians kept on calling the late head of State names even after the courts cleared him of the allegations levelled against him.
“Now that he has died all those who are talking ill about him should apologise. If it were possible even in his death, they should restore his immunity so that his good deeds go on,” Chief Munkanta said.
The traditional leader said it is not true that Government neglected Dr Chiluba prior to his death. He said this in apparent reference to Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata’s insinuations that President Banda neglected Dr Chiluba.
“It is not true to say that Dr Chiluba was neglected by Government. Death has just struck and as family members, we are grateful that President Banda looked after our son well and even evacuated him to South Africa each time he was not feeling well,” Chief Munkanta said.
He said Dr Chiluba will be remembered as a leader of all Zambians who respected traditional leaders.
Chief Munkanta said Government only started respecting traditional leaders in Zambia after Dr Chiluba became President in 1991.
He appealed to Zambians to mourn Dr Chiluba in a Christian way since he declared Zambia as a Christian nation.
He also appealed to family members to remain calm during the period of mourning.
And Kawambwa senior agriculture officer Samson Chipeta has warned that Zambia risks being cursed if citizens continue disrespecting leaders even in their death.
Mr Chipeta said Zambians have seen through some political messages that are aimed at maligning Dr Chiluba as a way of winning votes from the electorate.
He said there are political leaders who recently called for the re-arrest of Dr Chiluba as a way of gaining political mileage.
“We wish to advise politicians that they should realise that Dr Chiluba was President of the country for a decade and during his reign, he continued advocating change for the better. Those who were calling for his re-arrest and continued persecution were looking for votes. Zambia will be cursed if people continue not to respect leaders,” Mr Chipeta said.
He advised Zambians to learn lessons from the dangers of citizens refusing to respect leadership.
He said some countries have gone to war because the people decided to disrespect those in authority.
“The Bible says that if anyone of you has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at the woman. So let us not sound holier than thou because it is God who has the judgement,” Mr Chipeta said.
And traditional leaders on the Copperbelt have condemned people trying to gain political mileage over the death of former President Dr Frederick Chiluba, MONICA KAYOMBO and KALONDE NYATI report.
The traditional leaders have also stated that people trying to find wrongs in Dr Chiluba must revisit their cultural values and morals.
Speaking in separate interviews in Mpongwe, Senior Chief Ndubeni, Chief Machiya, Chieftainess Lesa and Chief Kalunkumya of the Lima people said it is immoral and unZambian for people to speak ill of the dead, particularly of second republican President Dr Chiluba, who championed the restoration of multi-partism and declared Zambia a Christian nation.
Senior Chief Ndubeni said he is saddened by the death of Dr Chiluba whose legacy would forever be embraced by his people.
Chief Machiya said Dr Chiluba’s funeral should be taken seriously and must not be politicised.
“There is need to mourn him in peace. He empowered most chiefs and ordinary Zambians when he was President,” Chief Machiya said.
He said it is actually a taboo for people to quarrel during a funeral or issue derogatory statements against the deceased.
“If we had differences then, we must forget about them. We only have one culture in Zambia and one wonders why some people are behaving un-Zambian,” he said.
Chieftainess Lesa says Dr Chiluba deserves a good send-off because he did not only rule Zambia for 10 years but also liberalised the economy and ensured that there was enough transport in the country.
“We are not happy that he has died, but this is God’s will. Let us mourn him as a united family,” Chieftianess Lesa said.
She said although there were hiccups during his tenure of office, he ruled Zambia peacefully and many people appreciated the benefits of democracy, which was re-introduced.
Chief Kalunkumya says people, regardless of where they come from, must realise that there is no perfect human being on earth.
“We are born sinners and only God has the power to cleanse us from all our sins,” Chief Kalunkumya said.
He appealed to Dr Chiluba’s critics to look at the good he did for Zambia such as declaring Zambia as a Christian nation, empowering people with houses, improving the transport sector and liberalising the economy.
The chief also commended the government for according Dr Chiluba a state funeral and for deciding to bury him next to his successor, Dr Levy Mwanawasa.
And chief Chamuka of the Lenje people of Central Province says the death of Dr Chiluba should unite the country instead of dividing it.
Chief Chamuka said while the death is a tragedy to the nation, people need to remain united in prayer and show love to one another.
The traditional leader said this when he visited the funeral venue, Belvedere Lodge.
He said Dr Chiluba was a peace builder even beyond Zambia’s borders and it is important for people to be peaceful during and after the mourning period.
President Banda and vice president George Kunda during bodyviewing of late Dr Chiluba
PRESIDENT BANDA yesterday led thousands of mourners in viewing the body of late second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba in a peaceful and sombre mood punctuated by wailing from relatives and members of the public who thronged Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) in Lusaka.
Thousands of other Zambians watched the solemn occasion from big screens mounted at official mourning centres across the country, while others witnessed the event from the privacy of their homes.
Mrs Vera Tembo is helped by her son Kaindu after body viewing
President Banda and First Lady Thandiwe, together with Vice-President George Kunda and his wife, Ireen, walked in at about 10:20 hours after which Dr Chiluba’s body was brought in by defence and security personnel.
This was soon after the arrival of the cortege from St Ann’s Funeral Parlour with Dr Chiluba’s body on a gun carriage.
As soon as the brown casket containing Dr Chiluba’s body, draped in the national flag, was brought in, the audience burst out in deafening wails. Covering of the body in the national flag is symbolic that the state accepts the full responsibility for the departed’s burial and his contribution to the nation.
At the end of the burial tomorrow, the flag will be handed over to a family representative.
The defence and security choir sang a solemn tune as the carrying party marched in with Dr Chiluba’s body.
President Banda and Vice-President Kunda, service chiefs, Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats accredited to Zambia and the bereaved family received the casket.
Others present were permanent secretaries, traditional leaders, chiefs, opposition party leaders NAREEP president Elias Chipimo, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi and United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota.
Sobs from the bereaved family and a huge picture of a smiling Dr Chiluba in front of the casket evoked sorrowful emotions from members of the public who filled the MICC’s main auditorium.
The national anthem by the Zambia Army brass band preceded an opening prayer by Reverend Major Moffat Nyambe, who thanked God for the service Dr Chiluba rendered to Zambia.
Maj Nyambe prayed for love and unity in the bereaved family.
Zambia Army chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mwenya gave a homily from John 11:25-26, after which President Banda opened the body viewing ceremony, followed by Mr Kunda and his wife Ireen.
Service chiefs, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chief Justice and their spouses, ministers, MPs, diplomats, chiefs and the clergy also viewed the body.
Some of the people who served in Dr Chiluba’s Government such as MsNawakwi and former Presidential Affairs Minister Eric Silwamba broke into tears as they viewed his body.
Defence and security officers, who marched in groups of five, preceded Dr Chiluba’s widow, Regina, and children, and ex-wife Vera in viewing the body.
Mrs Chiluba prayed amid sobs, thanking God for the time she spent with DrChiluba.
“From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, I thank you for the life of your man servant. Father I thank you for the time I spent with my husband. I worship you; you are worthy to be worshipped,” Mrs Chiluba prayed before her son helped her away.
Waving at Dr Chiluba’s picture as she approached the casket, she said: “I loved you so much. I will always love you.”
Dr Chiluba’s children led by his daughter, Mrs Hellen Chiluba Kapapa, wept as they viewed the body.
After this, body viewing was opened to members of the public who flocked to MICC in large numbers.
Columns of mourners in their thousands thronged MICC to pay their last respects to Dr Chiluba.
Dr Chiluba, 68, who died on June 18 at about 00:05 hours, will be put to rest tomorrow at Embassy Park in Lusaka.
He is survived by a widow, Regina, 10 children – Miko, Hellen, Hortensia, Jane, Huldah, Verocia, Darlington, Frederick Junior, Chongo and Kaindu, as well as 21 grandchildren.
Dr Chiluba's grand children mouring before bodyviewingSecurity personnel struggle to control Dr Chiluba's children and relatives during body viewingRegina Chiluba mourns beside the casket of Dr ChilubaSome Lusaka residents walk into the Mulungushi international conference centre to view the body of Dr Chiluba
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has expressed disappointment and sadness at the Vice-President George Kunda’s assertion that it lacks credibility and has ganged up with Civil Society Organizations, to tarnish the government image.
MISA Acting Chairperson Nalumino Nalumino said in a press statement to Lusaka Times that its disheartening for Mr. Kunda to use Parliament to denounce his organization knowing that MISA has no position to defend itself from the attacks.
Mr. Nalumino said MISA has since written to Vice President to have an audience with him to discuss in details their concerns over their operations.
“We wish to state that MISA Zambia works to promote a sustainable, non-partisan, independent, plural and diverse media that informs and empowers society, promotes democracy, good governance, freedom of expression and media freedom in an ethical, competent, and professional manner,” Mr Nalumino said.
He said MISA has a duty to conduct on-going research and advocacy into the media in Zambia, including the state of media freedom in the country.
Mr.Nalumino said the outcome of the results is published in the book called “So this is Democracy?” which is a survey of media freedom in all the SADC countries where MISA has Chapters.
The MISA Chairperson, however, pointed out that in the 2010 edition of “So this is Democracy?” Zambia was found to have the second highest cases of media freedom violations in the SADC region, second to Zimbabwe.
“When we compile these statistics, we look at the number of times journalists are harassed, beaten, detained, jailed, threatened or suffer any other impediment in their work,” Mr Nalumino said.
He urged people concerned with the methodology of “So this is Democracy?” to study and understand how the statistics are compiled, before dismissing the findings.
Mr. Nalumino noted that the research methodology is proven and is based on reported cases of media violations that are in the public domain.
He said MISA Zambia considers Government as a partner in national development.
Speaker of the National Assembly Amussa Mwanamwambwa (l) and Chief Justice ernest Sakala exchange notes during the remembrance ceremony
Speaker of the National Assembly, Amusaa Mwanamwambwa has retired. And several parliamentarians today made emotional comments in appreciating the outgoing speaker.
Mr Mwanamwambwa has since written to all Members of Parliament over the matter thanking them for their service in the past five years.
He became speaker for the 9th and 10th National assemblies in 1998 after serving as MMD Member of Parliament for Liuwa.
Among the Members of Parliament, who contributed to debate on his retirement, were Sylvia Masebo for Chongwe, Charles Milupi of Luena and Emmanuel Hachipuka of Mbabala.
Expelled former MMD chairman for elections Mike Mulongoti
Former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti says it is hypocrisy of the highest kind for President Rupiah Banda and the ruling MMD to claim to have loved late former President Fredrick Chiluba now that he is dead.
Mr. Mulongoti expressed sadness that the ruling MMD could turn around and claim to have loved Dr Chiluba dearly and condemn Patriotic Front, PF leader Michael Sata for not attending the funeral.
He questions how the ruling party expects Mr Sata to visit the funeral house when MMD cadres have threatened to harm him.
Mr. Mulongoti says despite security assurances by Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha for would be mourners; the funeral place is still not safe for certain people.
He expressed disappointment that General Shikapwasha at his level as a minister could issue such a statement encouraging people to go to the funeral house to be harassed by MMD cadres.
He states that it would have been better if president Banda had assured the public of security at the funeral and asked the Inspector General of Police to provide security to opposition political party leaders with their delegations as a sign of unity and peace.
Mr. Mulongoti however said that people will still find a way to visit the family of the late president after burial despite being barred from attending the funeral.
Mr. Mwamba is in South Africa for a normal medical
Patriotic front leader Michael Sata has continued to refute claims that he is in bad health, as alleged by media reports circulating on the Internet.
Mr. Sata has wondered why such reports have continued to circulate despite him appearing on a private TV station to clarify the matter.
Mr. Sata in an exclusive interview with QFM radio Friday evening stated that such reports are a sign of frustration by the MMD.
Mr. Sata, who sounded with high spirits noted that the there is high panic in the ruling MMD.
And Mr. Sata has also refuted claims that he was engaged in a quarrel with Kasama central Member of Parliament Georgery Mwamba which has resulted Mr. Mwamba to be flown to South Africa for a heart condition.
Mr. Sata says that Mr. Mwamba is in South Africa for a normal medical check unlike what is circulating that he had a heart attack.
And in an interview from South Africa, Mr. Mwamba popularly known as GBM expressed shock with the news circulating that he had a heart attack after a quarrel Mr. Sata.
He clarified that he is only in South Africa for a normal media check.
Mr. Mwamba challenged the MMD to verify medical reports anywhere if it is true that he was in a critical condition in South Africa.
Zambia Daily Mail reported that the MMD had information that Michael Sata and Kasama central member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba were gravely ill.
Quoting, MMD Northern Provincial secretary Stephen Chanda, the paper reported that that the reason the duo had not attended the funeral of former President is because they are both unwell.
Lieutenant-Colonel Chanda said that the two leaders had a heated argument and shortly after that, Mr Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, left Kasama for Lusaka about two weeks ago.
Shortly after the argument, the two simultaneously fell ill. Mr Mwamba reportedly suffered a stroke and has since been flown to South Africa while MrSata remains ill at his home in Lusaka.
“We have received reliable information from a PF member of the central committee, who is a friend of the MMD that the two had a heated argument and used strong language. Mr Sata is reported to have caned GBM for using strong language when addressing PF members in Kasama. GBM also accused MrSata of doing the same to the PF members,” he said.
“As we speak, the family is planning to fly Mr Mwamba to London for specialist treatment,” Lt Col Chanda said.
He said the MMD in Northern Province felt it was important for the nation to know the health status of the two leaders, especially thatMrSata is vying for the Presidency in this year’s general elections.
Meanwhile, MMD youths in Kasama district have commended the United Party for National Development (UPND) for showing maturity and solidarity during the funeral of Dr Chiluba.
Youth chairperson Moses Mulenga said at the same briefing that despite differences in political affiliation, the UPND decided to put aside the differences to mourn the former president with dignity and honour.
“We would also like to urge the PF to join us in mourning Dr Chiluba because he was a president for all Zambians,” Mr Mulenga said.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo
A COMMITTEE appointed to investigate the Lusaka City Council (LCC) Lilayi land scam has recommended that councillors and other council staff involved in the illegality be prosecuted.
The committee has also recommended that the suspension of the Patriotic Front-controlled council be extended and that the land swap between LCC and Lilayi Holdings, which resulted in the illegal allocation of plots, be nullified.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo disclosed this at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
“Some of the recommendations of the committee were that prosecution should be considered because the transactions were illegal. Secondly, the committee recommended that the land swap should be nullified and that in fact, the suspension was in order because of the irregularities in the allocation of land,” DrChituwo said.
He said LCC did not have the land agency from the Ministry of Lands but still went ahead to offer the land.
The committee also recommended that money should be recovered where there is need to do so.
The report of the committee that Dr Chituwo appointed under the Inquiries Act, was submitted to Cabinet, which has since considered its recommendations.
Dr Chituwo said the report contains certain aspects, bordering on breaches of a criminal nature.
“Clearly we have to institute the law enforcement agencies to follow up those findings,” Dr Chituwo said.
He said at the moment, he cannot release the entire report and that the Ministry of Justice will advise on the propriety of releasing the entire document.
“For now, it is clear that the law was not followed in the land swap because the Local Government Act is very clear. Before a council disposes of any property, they have to seek the permission of the minister. That was not done. Lusaka City Council’s land agency was withdrawn and therefore, they have no authority to issue offer letters for any piece of land,” he said.
Dr Chituwo said even before proper papers were obtained in terms of title, the privileged councillors were already selling plots.
“Clearly, one can see how the general public was denied an opportunity to own land as per prevailing law. There is no provision for the council to allocate 10 plots to the mayor and five plots to the deputy mayor, there is nothing like that.
“I believe that when the law enforcement agencies play their role in the matter, the innocent men and women who bought land, believing that the land was available in the right manner, consideration will be given,” he said.
Dr Chituwo suspended the LCC early this year after revelations of a scam in which councillors and members of staff allocated themselves 91 plots in Lilayi. The plots were allocated from a land swap between LCC and Lilayi Housing Project after the demarcation of farm number 915 in Lilayi.
During the third ordinary council meeting held on January 3, 2010, the council approved the proposed land swap with the Lilayi Housing Development of farm number 915 in Lilayi where the councillors have since allocated 91 of the 103 plots to themselves.
Meanwhile, Government has directed the LCC not to renew existing leases or offer new ones for car wash bays on roadsides or other designated places including play parks.
Dr Chituwo said this is intended to promote decency in the development of the city, in line with Government’s desire to improve the road network by redesigning any particular road that will ease flow of traffic.
DrChituwo urged all local authorities not to allow any construction of car wash bays on the road reserve or any designated areas.
“Any local authority which will not adhere to the provisions of the law will be dealt with in accordance with the Local Government Act Cap 281 of the Laws of Zambia. I wish to appeal to the owners of these structures to co-operate with the LCC, by pulling them down as they are temporary structures. In light of this, the council has given notice to affected owners in good time to avoid loss of property,” he said.
Dr Chituwo said Government is concerned with the manner in which local authorities countrywide are using land for various developments, and that over the years, there has been an increase in car wash bays without any regard to the dictates of the Town and Country Planning Act.
He said currently, the LCC has granted permission to some car wash bay owners without considering any development, which involves the formation, lay-out or material widening of a means of access to a main road, as defined by the Roads and Road Traffic Act.
