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VEEP expected in Bujumbura, Burundi for President Nkurunziza’s inauguration

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Vice President George Kunda

Vice President George Kunda, is tomorrow expected in Bujumbura the capital city of Burundi to represent the Zambian republican President Rupiah Banda at the inauguration ceremony of this country’s President Pierre Nkurunziza for his second five year term in office.

The Vice President is expected to arrive in Bujumbura at 08:00hrs local time at Bujumbura International Airport.

According to Zambia’s Ambassador to Tanzania Darius Bubala told ZANIS in Bujumbura, today, that the Vice President will be accompanied by Senior Private Secretary in his office Mr. Kenneth Ngosa and other government officials.

Ambassador Bubala, who is also accredited to Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Union of the Comoros and the international conference of the Great Lakes region, said it is important for Zambia to be associated with the celebrations because the country has played a significant role in the Great Lakes Conference Process and is host to Great Lakes Conference which Zambia is the current chair.

He said the Great Lakes Conference has made great progress towards achieving total peace in the region.

Meanwhile the Capital City is a hive of activity with preparations for the inauguration which will take place tomorrow at the Parliament Buildings almost complete.

Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza’s ruling CNDD-FDD ( Conseil National Pour la Defense de Democratie-Front de Defense de la Democratie) party secured a 91.62% following the June 28th Presidential polls at which he was the only candidate.

President Nkurunziza remained as the sole candidate after the opposition political parties pulled out of the race in protest of what they claimed as massive fraud by the ruling party.

The boycott by an alliance of 13 opposition parties called the Democratic Alliance for Change (FDC) came after the disputed May, 24th local government elections which the opposition said were marred by malpractices and therefore not free and fair.

The poll is the first since the last active rebel group agreed a cease-fire and are viewed as a key test of Burundi’s stability as it emerges from decades of conflict.

Burundi’s first ever election, held in 1993, was won by a Hutu. Elements of the Tutsi- dominated army assassinated the new President a few months later, triggering the start of a long-running conflict between the army and the Hutu rebel groups that cost 500,000 lives.

in 1996 Pierre Buyoya a Tutsi took over power but was unable to stop the violence. under pressure from the region , negotiations between the belligerents begun in 1998, and in 2000 a peace agreement was concluded in Arusha, Tanzania. it was signed by all parties except 4 hard lined rebel groups.

Violence between these groups and the army continued , despite the institution of a transitional government in 2002, until separate cease fire agreements were concluded with 3 of them during the second half of 2003.

The UN deployed a peacekeeping force in Burundi (ONUB) in June 2004, and successful elections between June 2005 ended the transition and installed Pierre Nkurunziza ‘s CNDD_FDD party in power.

Zambia’s ground for the high level representation at this ceremony is justified on many accounts, Firstly, Burundi and Zambia have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations dating back to the early 1980s.

The two countries are also members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa COMESA.

Zambia is one of Burundi’s major trading partners in the region and exports products Sugar, cement and other building materials to fortify the booming construction industry and other post war recovery programmes.

ZANIS

Attorney General Shonga makes a stand on London Judgment

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Attorney General Abyudi Shonga(R) outside the magistrate’s court complex in Lusaka with Secretary to the Treasury Likolo Ndalamei (left).

Attorney General Abyudi Shonga says despite the Lusaka High court judge Hamaundu ‘s dismissal of the applications for the registration of the London high court which found Dr. Chiluba and his co-accused liable for the theft of US$46 million, the contents of the judgment remains valid for all its contents and purposes.

Mr. Shonga says the refusal by the High Court of Zambia to register the London High Court judgment does not nullify the judgment at all.

“Infact, the rational behind taking out this action in a London court was because there was information that the defendants (Dr. Chiluba and his co-accused) had assets in London and other countries abroad, “ he said.

He explains that the nation should be informed that there has been several direct recoveries that have been made as a result of the London judgment.

Among these are the significant amounts of money that were seized from amongst others Aton Shansonga as a result of the London judgment.

The Attorney General says in a statement obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka this evening that government is determined in continuing with the recoveries overseas adding that the State will not hesitate to cause the executions to be made on any further assets that it becomes aware of overseas belonging to the defendants.

[pullquote]Mr. Shonga says the refusal by the High Court of Zambia to register the London High Court judgment does not nullify the judgment at all.[/pullquote]

On Judge Hamaundu’s ruling, the A.G says demands by sections of society for him (Mr. Shonga) to make an appeal against the ruling, emphasized that it is not the function of the Attorney general to appeal.

“ The Attorney General draws his power from Article 54 of the constitution. My functions, amongst others, are to be principal legal Advisor to the government and to represent government in courts or any other legal proceedings to which government is a party or in respect to which government has interest in, “ he say.

Mr. Shonga explains that the advice given by the A.G gives to his client, the government, enjoys, is the same privileged status that normal interaction between the client and an Advocate enjoys.

So in this respect, Mr. Shonga adds that in line with the constitution, his legal advice to government on the issue and it is now common cause that has already made its stand on the matter.

“ Government has accepted the decision of Judge Hamaundu refusing to register the decision of the London High. I will not be appealing the said judgment,” says the A.G.

Mr. Shonga adds that government has considered alternative action available to enforce the London court judgment at common law saying it must be understood that at common law, registration of the London judgment will not be possible.

He says what would now happen is fresh civil action would have to be brought out against the defendants adding that the courts would have to hear evidence all over again and determine whether the state should be entitled to a judgment based on the London judgment

Judge Hamaundu ‘s dismissal of the application has and continues to raise concerns in sections of society with the latest being the country’s Law Association of Zambia ( LAZ ) which recently wrote to the Attorney General to consider an appeal in the Supreme Court in a matter regarding former President Fredrick Chiluba and others regarding the registration of the London Judgment.

[pullquote]“ Government has accepted the decision of Judge Hamaundu refusing to register the decision of the London High. I will not be appealing the said judgment,” says the A.G.[/pullquote]

In its recent press statement by LAZ President Stephen Lungu, said the law body observed that it was mandated in section 4 of the laws of Zambia Act chapter 31 of the laws of Zambia to comment and provide guidance on legal matters that were of public interest.

Mr. Lungu said LAZ through its research committee thoroughly looked at the matter and rendered an opinion on the same which has since been handed over to the Attorney General.

He said the Association’s opinion to the Attorney General was in the interest of the public for his office to consider lodging an appeal in the Supreme Court in order to finalize the matter adding that LAZ also advised Government to recommence the registration process under the common law which is applicable to Zambia.

He contended that the judgment of the High Court had far reaching implications therefore there was need for clarity in this area of the law.

ZANIS

Unity will make the Pact stronger – Hichilema

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United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema

Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Patriotic Front – UPND (PF/UPND) pact members to remain united.

Mr. Hichilema said this was the only way the Pact would continue to remain strong and focused in preparations for the 2011 general elections.

He was speaking during the Let the People Talk programme on Radio Phoenix monitored by ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Mr. Hichilema added that the pact members should not listen to individuals who are determined to see the pact divided and eventually crumble.

He said pact members should always be aware that there are some individuals that want to see the down fall of the pact in the country.

Meanwhile, the UPND leader has also advised pact members to always use the right channel when they want to talk about pact matters

Mr. Hichilema added that this was very important for the PF/UPND members when one wants to raise any issue concerning the pact as the pact would know how to address certain problems in the pact.

In another development, Mr. Hichilema said once the pact comes into power, it would ensure that there is access to education for all across the country.

He added that this was because the pact understands the importance of education as it is vital to the economic development of the nation.

Mr. Hichilema also further said that the pact wants all those children whose parents cannot afford to send their children to school are able to do so.

ZANIS

Post newspapers urged not to hoodwink Zambians

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Citizens Committee (CC) Executive Director Gregory Chifire has charged that High Court Judge Evans Hamaundu used the law to dismiss the London Court judgment case involving second republican president Frederick Chiluba (FTJ) to be registered in Zambia.

And Mr. Chifire says the Post Newspaper has no mandate rise an agenda to wind-hook the Zambian people from what is right.

Commenting on Judge Hamaundu’s ruling not register the much anticipated London High Court judgment in Zambia , Mr. Chifire says the Post Newspaper has launched a ‘new’ campaign with some civil society organization to disparage Zambia ’s judicial system so that Zambia is not seen as a sovereign State.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today Mr. Chifire observed that the Post Newspaper has got its own cases against the Zambian courts and the continued attacks on both the judiciary and government is uncalled for.

He said Judge Hamaundu is a professional lawyer who is working within the confines of the Zambian law.

He urged the Zambian people to respect the court’s decision adding that the issue is not about ex-president Dr. Chiluba but the legality and justification of the judgment.

The CC Chief also urged the Zambian people to forge ahead in other developmental issues than concentrating on FTJ’s judgment which consumed over eight years now.

He advised those aggrieved by Judge Hamaundu’s decision to use the legal suit than using the media to judge the ex-president, Dr. Chiluba.

Judge Hamaundu last week dismissed the applications for the registration of the London high court which found Dr. Chiluba and his co-accused liable for the theft of US$46 million.

The court dismissal of the application has and continues to raise concerns in sections of society with the latest being the country’s Law Association of Zambia ( LAZ ) which recently wrote to the Attorney General to consider an appeal in the Supreme Court in a matter regarding former President Fredrick Chiluba and others regarding the registration of the London Judgment.

In its press statement by LAZ President Stephen Lungu, the law body observed that it was mandated in section 4 of the laws of Zambia Act chapter 31 of the laws of Zambia to comment and provide guidance on legal matters that were of public interest.

Mr Lungu said LAZ through its research committee thoroughly looked at the matter and rendered an opinion on the same which has since been handed over to the Attorney General.

He said the Association’s opinion to the Attorney General was in the interest of the public for his office to consider lodging an appeal in the Supreme Court in order to finalise the matter adding that LAZ also advised Government to recommence the registration process under the common law which is applicable to Zambia.

He contended that the judgment of the High Court had far reaching implications therefore there was need for clarity in this area of the law.

HOWEVER, Government through works and Supply minister, Mike Mulongoti said, it respects the court’s decision over the acquittal of second Republican President, Dr Fredrick Chiluba.

Mr Mulongoti said government also respects the withdrawal of the appeal of the Direct public prosecution (DPP) Chalwe Mchenga.

The minister, who is also Acting MMD spokesperson, said the court used its legal channels in Dr Chiluba’s cases and as such government did not interfere in the matter.

He was reacting to an article which appeared in one of the daily newspapers yesterday which reported that cabinet secured Dr Chiluba’s acquittal.

However, Mr. Mulongoti has refuted claims that government interfered in Dr Chiluba’s acquittal adding that the court has the mandate to adjudicate on Dr Chiluba’s case.

He noted that President Banda had never spoken about Dr Chiluba’s case as he ( President Banda ) knew that the courts had judicial powers over the matter.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chifire says the State through the Attorney General Abyudi Shonga has the constitutional right whether to appeal against Judge Hamaundu’s decision or not.

He pointed out that people should not force government to appeal against the court verdict but to respect the law at all costs.

And National Revolution Party (NRP) Secretary General (SG) Kelly Walubita Jr. said in a separate interview with ZANIS in Lusaka that Dr. Chiluba’s court case should not be politicized.

Mr. Walubita Jr. in echoing Citizens Committee Executive Director Mr. Gregory Chifire said put should not raise doubts on the operations of the Zambian judicial system.

He warned civil society organization chief executive officers and politicians from advancing their political mileage.

Dr Rodger Chongwe, who is a prominent Lusaka lawyer and former Minister of Justice, the Patriotic Front/United Party for National Development (PF/UPND) Pact, Transparent International Zambia among others have expressed displeasure with judge Hamaundu’s ruling on the registration of the London High Court judgment against Frederick Chiluba and his co-accused.

But President Banda reiterated his government’s commitment to the fight against corruption and said Government respects the Lusaka High Court’s refusal to register the London High Court judgment on former President Frederick Chiluba and others.

ZANIS

Zambians warned not to be used by drug barons

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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has called on the general public to be cautious of an international cartel of drug baron which is allegedly recruiting unsuspecting individuals to traffic drugs on its behalf.

The cartel which is described as ruthless is believed to be orchestrated and coordinated by foreign nationals from a named west African country who have established a base in South Africa.

DEC Public Relations Manager John Nyawali noted in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that some Zambian citizens have been contracted to embark on a mass recruitment of unsuspecting Zambians especially women to traffic drugs from South American and Asian countries.

Mr. Nyawali indicated that the cartel is targeting female Zambians aged between 19 to 50 years of age and promising them of good and high paying jobs in South Africa.

He said the victims are been used as drug couriers through coercion and death threats and quite a good number of Zambians have already become victims of the cartel’s antics.

The DEC recently arrested three women for trafficking in pure grade cocaine concealed in their private parts at Lusaka International Airport as they arrived from Pakistan.

Among the trio was Emmy Nawale, 28, a resident of Lubuto, Ndola who was aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight.

“Ms Nawale, who inserted a block of cocaine in her private parts was operated upon at the University Teaching Hospital to remove the contraband as it was dangerously inserted,” he said.

Mr. Nyawali said Ms Nawale is admitted to hospital and will appear in court soon.

“Others arrested are Sara Chikwasa, 40, a resident of Kabinga in Ndola and Alice Sandi Mulonda, 39, a resident of Matero in Lusaka,” he said.

The DEC spokesperson said the two, who were on a Kenyan Airways flight, also inserted the cocaine in their private parts.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nyawali is saddened to note that recently, a 42 year old Zambian woman of Kamwala in Lusaka died in a Pakistan Hospital out of suspected drug poisoning.

He added that the named woman died after being lured and co-arced into drug trafficking by the cartel.

He said the woman collapsed at one of the airports in Pakistan as she was returning to Zambia after being coerced to carry suspected narcotics which are suspected to have caused her death.

Mr. Nyawali explained that the woman was recruited after being promised a job at one of the local restaurants in South Africa and her identity has deliberately been concealed for the security of her family members and on going investigations.

It was from the named restaurant where the woman was later sent to Pakistan to traffic drugs and was subjected to torture forcing her to swallow the narcotics as a mode of concealment after refusing to voluntarily get involved in drug trafficking.

Her remains are still in Pakistan awaiting extradition to Zambia.

The Commission has further appealed to the public to be cautious with promises of jobs abroad and has advised everyone who wishes to take up such offers get adequate information and clearance from relevant authorities.

ZANIS

Thandiwe calls for resilience in addressing challenges

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First Lady Thandiwe Banda

The 3rd International Scout and Guild Fellowship (ISGF) conference has opened in Lusaka with a call for resilience among its members.

Speaking during the official opening of a five day’s meeting First Lady Thandiwe Banda has called for concerted efforts to address various challenges that world is facing.

Mrs. Banda said the world is currently going through a lot of problems that requires groups such as ISGF to assist in finding lasting solutions for the betterment of the people.

The First Lady said this in speech ready for her by Lily Moonze who is one of the founder members of ISGF in Zambia .

She cited inadequate health facilities, increased disease burdens and changes in climatic conditions that have resulted in disasters like floods as some of the serious problems that need quick solutions.

Mrs. Banda, who is also Patron of the Girl Guild Association of Zambia, has further urged the Scout and Guild in the country to be proactive if it is to make significant contributions to development of the country.

And Zambia Central Branch President Rachel Mukombo disclosed that one of the guiding principal of the ISGF in Zambia is to improve the living standard of vulnerable people in the communities.

Ms. Mukombo stated that this is because the group has an important role to play in not only uplifting people’s lives spiritually but also adding value to their well being.

The ISGF is currently present in 61 countries with a membership of more than 75,000.

This year’s conference under the theme “adding value to life in today’s world” has attracted participants from various African and some European countries.

ZANIS

William Banda’s stand on Mtendere market opposed

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Lusaka province MMD youth leader Chris Chalwe (L) and provincial chairman William Banda (R)

The National Revolution Party (NRP) has added its voice in condemning MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda who instructed that the Mtendere market should be run by MMD cadres.

NRP Secretary General (SG) Kelly Walubita Jr. observed that allowing cadres to take over the running of the market will be putting the name of President Banda and the MMD party into ridicule.

Mr. Walubita says his party supports a neutral consortium of stakeholders in conjunction with the Lusaka City Council to continue running the affairs of the Mtendere market as opposed to MMD cadres who will be politicizing it.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, the opposition party Secretary General said allowing MMDF cadres to run the market is a recipe for chaotic situation and violence thereby putting the image of the ruling party to disrupt.

He appealed for calm among the MMD and the PF/UPND cadres as government is about to intervene in the Mtendere market saga. .

He implored all cadres to embrace peace, love and reconciliation as opposed to engaging themselves in violent acts.

Mr. Banda, is reported in the local media to have declared that the Mtendere Market should be managed by the ruling party cadres as the people charged to manage the market had allegedly failed to efficiently ran the market.

Meanwhile, Mr. Walubita Jr. has appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider extending the voter registration exercise up to December, 2010.

The NRP-SC said doing so would allow more people to register as voters and take participate in next year’s tripartite polls.

Mr. Walubita Jr. observed that if the exercise comes to an end in September, more people not to be de-franchised and they will not be allowed to vote.

ECZ has indicated that the on-going voter-registration will close next month.

ZANIS

Southern Province Deserves Development-RB

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President Banda talks to journalists at Lusaka city airport.

President Rupiah Banda says the People of Southern Province like other parts of the country deserve development. President Banda says this is because they are also part of Zambia despite their political or any other affiliation.

He says although the people in the province are presumed to be supporters of opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) government has a duty to deliver development without discrimination. He says his government is about the people and development not petty politics.

The President was speaking at Munyeke bridge in Chief Mapanza’s area in Choma district yesterday. This was when he visited the area to inspect the newly built Munyeke bridge on the new Choma-Namwala road.

President Banda said projects such as the Choma-Namwala road were important to the development of the area because everyone will benefit. Mr. Banda said it was strange that some people were condemning the works that have been done on the road describing the workmanship as poor.

He said this was wrong because it was not in the interest of the people of Southern Province. Mr. Banda challenged those opposing the development to work hard and become leaders so that they can show the people what they are capable of doing.

He said his critics know that developments such as construction of roads were not cheap undertakings because they involve huge sums of money. “I am sad that those who oppose me in almost everything I do have deliberately chosen to mislead the people by making them think that development can be taken to all parts of the country at once,” he said.

He said leaders such as UPND president Hakainde Hichilema have nothing to offer because they are always opposing government efforts to take development to all parts of the country. He advised people in the area to reject him because he has the potential to divide the country based on tribe.

[pullquote]He said the people of Southern Province will not be made to wait for UPND and Mr. Hichilema to ascend to power to receive development because the opposition party has no chance to rule the country. [/pullquote]

The President said Zambians would never allow a person who cherishes tribalism to rule them because they have always lived together as brothers and sisters. He said Mr. Hichilema has continued to call him names because he cannot believe the work government was doing to serve the people in the country.

“He has been calling me a dull old man, a stupid man and I can tell you that if being dull and old means taking development to the people then I chose to be one,” said President Banda amid shouts of praise from the people. The President urged the people of Southern Province not to allow themselves to be cheated by some people that it was disgraceful to ask for development.

He said the people of Southern Province will not be made to wait for UPND and Mr. Hichilema to ascend to power to receive development because the opposition party has no chance to rule the country.

The President advised Mr. Hichilema to be patient and mature if he wishes to rule the country. He wondered why Mr. Hichilema thinks he was stupid when he has managed to develop the economy and various other sectors.

“Under my administration we have recorded a bumper harvest due to our good agricultural policies and people are happy that we shall not starve but we will be able to keep our dignity by feeding ourselves and I am happy we have together achieved all these things,” he said.

He said Zambia is a big country and that anybody wishing to become president must have the support of all Zambian people not just one province. “I advise the young man to take it easy. He is too quick, he must learn how he can become a national leader because he needs all of us,” said the President.

He said every Zambian has the right to demand for development regardless of their political or religious affiliation. He said every Zambian should be proud of the equitable development in all parts of the country an indication that government wants to develop all parts of the country.

[pullquote]He said Zambia is a big country and that anybody wishing to become president must have the support of all Zambian people not just one province. “I advise the young man to take it easy. He is too quick, he must learn how he can become a national leader because he needs all of us,” said the President.[/pullquote]

The President appealed to the people of Southern Province to partner with his government as opposed to waiting for a person to become president. He said his policy was to ensure that the entire nine provinces in country produce a leader so that all other parts can easily support them.

“If you want to produce a president you must be prepared to support others because you will need them anyway,” he said.

President Banda is accompanied to Southern Province by Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti, Education Minister Dora Siliya, Local Government and Housing Minister , Eustakio Kazonga and Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe.

ZANIS

KCM not outsourcing labour

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KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has said it is not outsourcing labour but key operational activities which the mining firm says is not an entirely new arrangement.

Head of corporate affairs and company spokesperson, Rahul Kharkar said in a statement released yesterday that in line with current international trends around the world, as well as in some industries within Zambia, KCM had adopted the strategy to outsource a number of activities across its mining and processing operations.

He said in light of recent media reports that had tended to distort the facts, KCM wished to clear the air regarding its strategic decision to outsource aspects of its operations in a move intended to enhance operating efficiencies and to remain competitive.

Mr Kharkar said apart from enhancing production and operational efficiencies, the approach allowed KCM to focus on its core business functions and to spend its limited resources only in areas that were important to its short and long-term objectives.

He said while outsourcing had become a global practice in mining and other economic sectors as one way of improving production efficiency and, thereby reducing costs, it should be emphasised that KCM was not outsourcing labour.

“KCM has in the past worked with many out-source partners in tailings reclamation, concentrator (operations and maintenance), open pits developments, and primary development at Nchanga underground.

“Going forward with the advent of new technology being employed in our operations such SAG mill and ball mill in the new concentrator, and the mechanisation of the new Konkola shaft and the need for high speed development of mining at Konkola, KCM believes that world class contractors working with its employees will produce the desired results, especially in mining and in the maintenance of plants,” Mr Kharkar said.

KCM, the biggest mining investor in Zambia, has lately been embroiled in wrangles with interest groups such as the Mineworkers Union of Zambia over its outsourcing scheme, which has been viewed as disadvantaging local professionals, contractors and suppliers.

[Times of Zambia]

Mining firms advised to float shares on LuSE

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LUSAKA Stock Exchange (LuSE) chief executive officer Beatrice Nkanza has reiterated the need for mining firms in Zambia to list on the stock market to raise capital and offload shares to the public.

Ms Nkanza expressed sadness that mining firms have not listed on the stock market despite calls for them to list on the stock exchange.

She said the mining sector is the mainstay of the country’s economy hence the need for mining firms to come on board and contribute to the growth of the stock market and the country as a whole.

The LuSE has been operational since 1994 and currently has 19 listed companies and the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), which has stakes in most mining firms, is the only one listed on the stock market.

Ms Nkanza said this at the Zambia–Canada Business and Investment Forum recently.

She also said there is need for Canadian mines operating in the country to consider listing on LuSE. Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals owns the Bwana Mkubwa on the Copperbelt and Kansanshi in the North -Western Province.

“We would like to see Canadian mining companies which have a stake in the Zambian mines to consider listing on the Stock Exchange,” she said.

Ms Nkanza also called on Canadian firms to invest in Zambia in order to enhance business ties between the two countries.

A Canadian business delegation led by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Canada Nevers Mumba was in the country to explore business opportunities last week.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

You are free to petition over constitution-Rupiah Banda

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PRESIDENT Banda says the consortium of civil society organisations intending to petition Parliament over the draft Constitution is free to do so.

He said this at City Airport shortly before he left for Southern Province.

“They are free to go ahead and petition. Again, I have nothing to do with that. This is their country, it’s my country, all of us, so if they think they are right, let them go ahead and petition.

And on Former Minister of Defence George Mpombo and Chilanga MP Ng’andu Magande, Mr Banda, who is also MMD president said the ruling party’s national executive committee (NEC) will soon meet to decide their fate.

“We are meeting soon, otherwise, I would be pre-empting what NEC may want to discuss,” Mr Banda said.
And President Banda said his trip to Southern Province is of economic benefit.

[pullquote]“They are free to go ahead and petition. Again, I have nothing to do with that. This is their country, it’s my country, all of us, so if they think they are right, let them go ahead and petition.[/pullquote]

“You know we have a road there which has lasted nearly 20 years now, that was not completed, we have completed it and we have built new bridges there, including a new secondary school for girls, and there are a lot of things that we are doing there,” he said.

President Banda said the benefit is that the people around can now move with their products to Choma and the rest of the country much easier than they did before.

“It is not only there, all over the country, we are building roads so that people know that the Government is working very hard to open up these routes,” he said.

Vice-President George Kunda, Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Peter Daka, Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja and other senior Government and MMD officials saw the President off.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Dr. Roger Chongwe’s remarks careless-Mumbi

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Former PF party general secretary Edward Mumbi

Former Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Edward Mumbi has described as appalling alleged comments attributed to some lawyers over the dismissal of the London judgement by the Lusaka High Court.

Mr Mumbi has condemned the alleged careless remarks attributed to Lusaka lawyer Roger Chongwe, which were published in The Post newspapers of August 23.

In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mumbi has called on the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) leadership to immediately put a stop to the alleged lawlessness in its association.

Mr Mumbi has also called on Zambians to defend democratic institutions such as the judiciary by rising above petty politics.

He said the evil campaign to undermine the Judiciary should be fought by all well-meaning Zambians.

“I am aware that Dr Chongwe was following the case of the London judgement, praying and hoping that the High Court of Zambia will register it so that benefits could accrue to him.

“Dr Chongwe’s outburst and anger against the Judiciary reflects the profound personal loss and hope,” Mr Mumbi said.

He said it is common knowledge that Dr Chongwe possesses a foreign judgement against Zambia, which he wishes to register and enforce to pursue his US$5 million claim against Zambia.

[pullquote]
“I am aware that Dr Chongwe was following the case of the London judgement, praying and hoping that the High Court of Zambia will register it so that benefits could accrue to him.[/pullquote]

He said it is a fact that President Mwanawasa who he described as Zambia’s foremost and eminent lawyer wrote to Dr Chongwe informing him that there is no law that provides or supports for registration of such a foreign judgement in Zambia.

Mr Mumbi advised members of the civil society to gather all facts relating to the matter before issuing statements.

He said the London judgement stands discredited as the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom established that the judgement of Justice Peter Smith against former President Chiluba and others did not meet minimum standards of a court trial.

“It is, therefore, strange that some NGOs wish to anchor their arguments on a discredited document,” he said.

Mr Mumbi said he is also aware of the systematic campaign being pursued against the Judiciary and the Chief Justice and his judges.

He said Zambians are being misinformed about the credibility of the London judgement, which the House of Lords reversed, “in all fairness the registration of the London judgement ought not to have continued”.

High Court judge Evans Hamaundu recently threw out an application that sought to register the London High Court judgement in Zambia in which Dr Chiluba and seven others were found guilty of corrupt practices and theft of US$46 billion.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

State backs court stance

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President Banda greeting government officials

PRESIDENT Banda has said Government respects the Lusaka High Court’s refusal to register the London High Court judgement on former President Frederick Chiluba and his co-accused.

The London High Court found Dr Chiluba and seven others liable for the theft of about US$46 million public funds. Mr Banda, however, said his government is still committed to the fight against corruption.

“They know that very well, they are just politicking, they are just politicking, we are against corruption and we have put a law in place to fight corruption.

If they are talking about the issue of Dr Chiluba, these matters are in court, they have been in court for a long time now, and this is what is spoiling these issues in our country. When a matter goes to court, we should wait until we hear from them,” he said.

President Banda said now that the court has ruled on the matter, it is up to people to decide what they want to do next.

“But as far as we are concerned, we listen to the court. Even when they rule against us, and many times, the court rulings are against the government, you know that, but we accept them.

You can’t fight corruption unless the judiciary is allowed to handle these matters. So the issue of Dr Chiluba is being handled by the courts and we think that we should not be involved in making comments about them,” he said.

And commenting on Deputy Minister of Gender Lucy Changwe’s case, President Banda said he does not need to direct the police to carry out their duties.

“This is the problem, it is not Government. You see, the problem in Zambia is that everything is government.

If two people are fighting in Kalingalinga, I don’t know anything about it, he [Vice-President George Kunda] doesn’t know anything about it.

But the law says people should not hurt each other, they should not burn people’s property, so, they [police] should deal with them. I don’t have to tell them to do that.

This is the same thing with all these cases, if somebody breaks the law, it is for the police to go ahead and I don’t talk to them about it.

“You will prove this as we go forward that we are a correct government, and we don’t want to interfere,” he said.

President Banda wondered how the country would be governed if the opposition political parties who constantly accuse Government took over.

“I wonder what kind of country we would have if the opposition political parties were in power because they seem to believe that Government must give directives on everything, it can’t be, there is police, there is the army, there is the Judiciary, the Drug Enforcement Commission and these matters are handled by them and not us, and my Vice-President is just a victim, it’s me they are after,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Explain judgment’, Judge Hamaundu challenged

Entertainment Editor
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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has challenged High Court Judge Evans Hamaundu to make public the sections of the law that made him dismiss an application by the State to have the London Court judgment against former President Fredrick Chiluba and his co-accused, registered.

Judge Hamaundu a week ago dismissed the applications for the registration of the London high court which found Dr. Chiluba and others liable for the theft of US$46 million.

Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament (MP) Garry Nkombo said Judge Hamaundu should share with the Zambians the sections of the law on which he based his decision to dismiss the application to have the judgment registered.

Mr Nkombo said Judge Hamaundu has the responsibility to defend his decision to the public and spare the judiciary from sustained attacks over his decision.

He noted that the Zambians should not be blamed for questioning the independence of the judiciary based on the recent decisions it has made.
[ QFM ]

RB advises young Zambians to build good character

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President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has advised young Zambians to build on good character as opposed to bad attributes. And President Banda has assured Zambian people that it is his duty, MMD and civil servants to deliver development to all corners of the country.

Speaking at the newly constructed Ngonga Bridge in Mbabala constituency in Choma where he addressed hundreds of people, Mr. Banda said it is good to be known for doing good things and not abusiveness, violence, and hate speech. The President has called on Zambians to be proud of the country and refuse divisive language from any politicians.

Mr. Banda said he is proud that he was voted by all Zambians to rule the country based on the fact that he is a good man. He said in order to rule the country one needs to have votes from every province.

President Banda has noted that he will go back to the people of Southern Province next year to campaign based on the good record of developmental work done for the people.

He said Zambians should support any person who can work selfless for the people regardless of the party they belong to. He cautioned that negative politics bent on opposing even where it is not necessary are not healthy for the country.

President Banda said that once elected, one must know that he is a servant who must work to develop the country and not divide people based on tribe.

He cautioned that, if politicians try to play tribal cards they will be stuck because Zambians are wise people who know what they want.

Speaking earlier, Southern Province Minister, Daniel Munkombwe said people of Southern Province are grateful to President Banda and his administration for the completion of the Zimba-Livingstone and Choma-Namwala roads.

He said the completion of tarring of the Choma -Namwala road in the district is a clear testimony that President Banda cares for the people of Southern Province.

Meanwhile senior Headman Kabeta of the same area said people of Haambwatu are grateful to President Banda and his administration for tarring the Choma-Namwala road.

The Headman said that for 45 years since the country gained independence, the people in this part of the country have lived with dilapidated road infrastructure a situation which made them feel neglected.

The traditional leader said the tarring of the road will help uplift the living standards of the people in the area. President Rupiah Banda is in Choma and Namwala districts at the invitation of the people to inspect the many developmental works done by his administration.

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