President Banda has warned UPND leaders Hakainde Hichilema that he will soon know who Mr. Sata really is.

Mr. Banda was speaking when he addressed a mammoth rally at the community grounds in Namwala this afternoon.

President Banda said Mr. Sata was not a right person Mr. Hichilema can work with because both have different backgrounds and beliefs.

“HH is educated and is a young man but Sata has none of these things and all he wants is to become President,” he said.

He said he is happy that the two pact leaders were being questioned by their members on the motives behind the formation of the pact.

[pullquote]“HH is educated and is a young man but Sata has none of these things and all he wants is to become President,” he said.[/pullquote]

President Banda said out of the 42 PF MPs, the majority from Luapula and Northern provinces have turned against him because they do not believe in what he was doing.

He said Mr. Hichilema was jumping in a sinking boat because Mr. Sata just wants to use the UPND to become president.

The President appealed to the people in the province to form a formidable pact with the ruling MMD because it is ready to work with him.

He appealed to all MMD members and leaders in the country to keep their doors open to those who wish to work with the MMD government.

“Politics is the game of numbers and we need numbers to continue ruling so allow whoever wishes to work with us do so,” said Mr. Banda.

The President thanked the chiefs and the people of Namwala for inviting him to visit their area.

And at the same rally, Namwala UPND member of Parliament Robbie Chizyuka said he did not regret having differed with UPND Hakainde Hichilema because his alliance with the PF does not make sense.

[pullquote]“Politics is the game of numbers and we need numbers to continue ruling so allow whoever wishes to work with us do so,” said Mr. Banda.[/pullquote]

Major Chizyuka said the UPND was formed to provide leadership to the country and not to be given to other people to control it.

He explained that it was the belief of the founders of the party that people would get alternative leadership through the party.

Maj. Chizyuka said under Mr. Hichilema the UPND has continued to lose its popularity gained during the time of the late Anderson Mazoka.

He stressed that Mr. Hichilema would never be president of Zambia because of his alleged arrogance.

“How can a normal person work with someone who has insulted the people of the region where he (Hichilema) comes from?” he questioned.

He said Mr. Sata had insulted the people of Southern province as dogs and has never even bothered to apologize to the people even after being asked to do so.

Maj. Chizyuka appealed to the people of Namwala to support President Banda and the MMD because they understand what is good for them.

He thanked all the government departs in the province that contributed to the successful completion of the Choma-Namwala road.

At the same rally Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe assured Maj. Chizyuka of the MMD’s support in his struggle to improve the lives of the people of Namwala.

Mr. Munkombwe said he personally has fought battles and would, with the party and government, stand by his side.

He said those referring to Maj. Chizyuka as a fool, will soon see the kind of person he is.

Mr. Munkombwe urged Maj. Chizyuka not to be ashamed to fight for his people but to ‘walk with his head up’.

“The President is always insulted every day and he has never hit back but has continued with his job of providing for the many Zambian people. Don’t look back just go forward,” he advised.

[pullquote]He said Mr. Sata had insulted the people of Southern province as dogs and has never even bothered to apologize to the people even after being asked to do so.[/pullquote]

Earlier, President Rupiah Banda challenged political parties to celebrate events of development with the rest of the country.

President Banda says this is important because all political parties are formed to push for development in various parts of the country.

Referring to the successful completion of the tarring of the Choma-Namwala road, the President noted that it would have been nice for leaders of other political parties to celebrate with the people they wish to lead once given an opportunity.

He said there was no need for people in a democracy to work like enemies because their goal is one and the same.

He called for unity of purpose and hard work from all citizens to propel the much needed development.

“It doesn’t matter who the President is or which political party he is coming from but that whoever is President should recognize that he has a duty to the people that elected him, said Mr. Banda.

He said as President he is duty bound work with all the people regardless of their political affiliations.

Mr. Banda explained that political parties are there for people to choose and join if they agree with their ideologies.

He said people must not be compelled to support a political party on the basis of tribe or regionalism because the tenets of democracy are such that they do it freely.

“We have all been in one party or the other such as UNIP, ANC and now MMD. As for me I am happy that my presidency is an example of a miracle because whilst at my farm my late brother President Mwanawasa invited me to serve the people which I am gladly and happily doing,” he said.

President Banda said together with the ruling MMD he has gone round the whole country to have every one vote for him because he believes that all regions and tribes in the country should work together instead of fighting each other.

And President Banda has said politics of bitterness should be avoided because this was not the right way to conduct the affairs of the nation.

The President wondered why Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata, whom he described as his traditional cousin, was bitter about him.

[pullquote]“We have all been in one party or the other such as UNIP, ANC and now MMD. As for me I am happy that my presidency is an example of a miracle because whilst at my farm my late brother President Mwanawasa invited me to serve the people which I am gladly and happily doing,” he said.[/pullquote]

He said Mr. Sata has at many occasions insulted him and other people such as traditional leaders without reason.

Mr. Banda said he finds it difficult to understand the source of the hatred towards him from Mr. Sata.

The President appealed to the Ila people and Tongas in Southern Province not to embrace Mr. Sata because they would not work with him.

“It is not possible for anyone to become president if the person creates enmity with the people they intend to serve. You need to humble yourself and go to the people to explain what you want to do for them when they give you an opportunity,” he said.

The rally was also attended by several local chiefs and others from various parts of the country.

ZANIS

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

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

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

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

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]

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]