FORMER President Frederick Chiluba has paid tribute to President Banda for honouring national leaders who die in service or after retirement.
And Mr Banda yesterday led mourners at the funeral service of the late freedom fighter and diplomat Axson Chalikulima held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.
Dr Chiluba said in his tribute that political leaders should stand united during times of sorrow despite their differences as all are Zambians.
He said the attitude exhibited by President Banda was an indicator of one who respects fellow leaders.
Dr Chiluba said the respect that Mr Banda is according both present and past civil servants during their funerals deserves recognition.
The former President said he is not campaigning because if Government is good to its people, they must reciprocate.
“If Government is doing good, do the same to it,” he said.
Dr Chiluba said despite his busy schedule, President Banda had found time to attend the church service apart from visiting the funeral house on Monday.
And Dr Chiluba said he personally went to United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema’s house to offer his condolences during the opposition leader’s mother-in-law’s funeral.
“We did not carry cameras when going to offer condolences because it is not for show,” he said.
Dr Chiluba said Mr Chalikulima was always ready to offer advice to politicians.
He said Mr Chalikulima would warn a head of State not to worry about those who were always insulting them, but instead concentrate on bettering the lives of the people.
Dr Chiluba described Mr Chalikulima as a patriot who gave his advice whenever he saw trouble.
He also thanked the defence forces for their dedication to carrying out State duties, which was a sign that Government is ready for eventualities.
And Apostle Haelian Rupasingh said the President deserves to be honoured for the peace the nation has continued to enjoy.
“The peace in this country should actually flow to the rest of Africa, north, south, east and the west,” he said.
Apostle Rupasingh said Zambia is a blessed country and that the peace it enjoys should be nurtured.
And giving the hero’s life history, Chapa Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima’s vision was for Zambia to be united from family to national level.
He said Mr Chalikulima had strived to see the country prosper economically.
Mr Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima, who was a consultant to many politicians, avoided siding with a particular political party.
Mr Chalikulima was the first political assistant to President Kenneth Kaunda in 1966 and 1967.
He was later appointed first Zambian commandant in the Zambia National Service.
In 1969, he was appointed ambassador to the Congo-Brazzaville and four years later, he was appointed Cabinet minister until 1975.
From 1975 to 1983, Mr Chalikulima served as high commissioner to India.
He was later posted to Japan where he served until 1987.
From 1987 to 1992, he served as ambassador to Angola before he retired in April 1992.
Mr Chikamba said Mr Chalikulima was the longest serving diplomat who also served as dean of ambassadors and high commissioners.
Mr Chalikulima died on April 17 in Victoria Hospital in Lusaka.
Those in attendance included Heritage Party president Godfrey Miyanda, All People’s Congress Party leader Kenny Ngondo, National Democratic Focus president Ben Mwila and National Restoration Party interim president Elias Chipimo Jr.
Others in attendance were Cabinet and deputy ministers.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
