Luena Independent Member of Parliament, Charles Milupi has charged that if only some groups and individuals did not boycott the National Constitution Conference NCC, the ruling MMD would not be taking advantage of the people of Zambia in the constitution making process.

Mr. Milupi says while those opposing some of the clauses the MMD selfishly wants to include in the constitution might have a strong voice, it is only backed by a few individuals willing to see the people of Zambia have a constitution that will stand the test of time.

He says there are those in the NCC like himself who are willing and determined to put up a good fight and ensure that the views of the people of  Zambia are reflected in the new constitution.

He adds that while it would have been better to have more people fighting for what the people want, the few already in the NCC will ensure that they give the ruling party a good run for their money.

Meanwhile, Mr. Milupi has argued that it is illogical for the MMD to push for a simple majority system when everywhere in the developing world they are using the 50% + 1 vote.

He says the 50% +1 vote clause will protect the country from allowing illegitimate people into power and ensure that democracy remains the cornerstone of the nation.

QFM

THE MMD has said that aeronautic engineer Clive Chirwa was not a member of the ruling party and therefore claims that he has resigned from the party are baseless.

Speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya said she was taken aback to hear reports that Professor Chirwa had resigned from the party claiming that the MMD leadership had lost direction.

Ms Siliya said the MMD leadership was visionary and, therefore, Prof Chirwa, who was not a member of the party was merely expressing his opinion.

In fact, she said, the visionary leadership of the party was working tirelessly to unite party members at various levels.

“I am shocked to hear Prof Chirwa’s tantrums because the man is not our member. He has never been a member of the MMD and so he does not have the right to talk about the party matters but I will assume he was expressing his opinion,” Ms Siliya said

She said if Prof Chirwa was a bonafide member of the MMD, the party would have expressed concern and worry over his resignation.

Ms Siliya said since Prof Chirwa was not a member of the MMD, the party would not be bothered by his comments and claims that he had resigned from the party.

[Times of Zambia]

SOME members of the civil society have challenged Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata to unveil his university degree or degrees so that their validity could be scrutinised.

But Mr Sata has said that his qualification is a private property, which no one could force him to show to anyone.

The Committee of Citizens (CC), Forum for Leadership Search (FLS) and Leadership in Development said separately yesterday that Mr Sata should not keep his degree as a secret if he possessed one and challenged him to show the people.

CC executive director Gregory Chifire said there was nothing secretive about one’s qualifications like a degree and Mr Sata should be proud to show it to the public, instead of hiding it.

Following the adoption by the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) of the clause requiring the Republican president to have a degree as a qualification, Mr Sata has claimed that he already has one.

“We challenge Mr Sata to come out and show his degree if at all he has one so that people could know his qualifications,” Mr Chifire said.

FLS executive director Edwin Lifwekelo doubted whether Mr Sata had any degree and challenged him to disclose which university he attended if it was true he had the academic paper.

Mr Lifwekelo said if Mr Sata had a university degree, he would by now have advertised it in some sections of the media.

“Let him tell us where he did the studies and which people he was with or whether it was online. If he has one what is the fear of releasing it so that this issue is put to rest?” he asked.

Mr Sata on Thursday during a programme on Joy FM radio said he was prompted to study for a degree in 2006 when the late Benny Tetamashimba and George Mpombo started talking about it as a qualification for presidential candidates.

Mr Lifwekelo said the requirement of a university degree, as a presidential candidate was not targeted at Mr Sata as it was being perceived by him and his supporters.

He said the requirement was aimed at adding value to the office of Republican president and was not discriminatory.

He said the world had become highly technical hence the need as a country in future to have a Republican president who was not only wise but also in possession of a university degree.

Mr Lifwekelo said it would, however, be the duty of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to scrutinise the qualifications of the aspiring candidates.

Leadership in Development executive director Moses Kalonde challenged Mr Sata to produce his alleged two degrees.

But when reached for a comment, Mr Sata said his degree was a private property and no one could force him to exhibit it to the public unless he wanted to do so.

Mr Sata said calls by some non-governmnental organisations (NGOs) for him to release his degree were proof enough that the NCC had come up with a degree clause to fix him.

Mr Sata said his degree was not for some NGOs or the NCC but a personal property that should be properly guarded.

[Times of Zambia]

The Forum for Progressive Politics (FPP) has advised all politicians and Zambians to embrace the adoption of an article by the National Constitution Conference (NCC) that allows only a person with a minimum academic qualification of a first degree from a recognized University to contest the Presidency in an election.

FPP Secretary General Charles Kafumbo says politicians need to learn and understand that the NCC adopted the article in good faith.

Mr. Kafumbo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that it is unfortunate that some politicians and sectors of society are not for the idea to adopt the article.

He said time would come when politicians and other people will learn and understand the importance of having a President with a degree from a recognized University.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kafumbo has advised those aspiring to contest the Presidency but without degrees to stop issuing statements on the article but instead study for a degree from any recognized University.

And Mr. Kafumbo said the FPP would continue supporting the article and other articles that would be adopted in good faith.

Recently, the NCC adopted an article that allows anyone aspiring to contest the presidency to have a degree from a recognized University.

ZANIS

Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) presidential hopeful Professor Clive Chriwa has resigned from the party with immediate effect, citing a number of reasons including corruption in the ruling party . Below is the full letter of resignation addressed to MMD National Secretary Dr Katele Kalumba.

28th January 2010
Dr Katele Kalumba
MMD National Secretary
Secretariat, Party H/Q
P. O. Box Private Bag E365
Lusaka
Zambia.

Dear Katele,

REF: DECISION TO RESIGN MY MEMBERSHIP OF THE MMD

It is with both gratitude and regret that I write to inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the Movement For Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) with immediate effect.

As you will know, I have been a paid up member of the MMD for over three years. I was one of its original sympathisers and later donors who believed in the ethos of the party as it resolutely promoted democracy, fairness and selfless service to the communities in our beloved country.

During that time I have seen the MMD grow from a small group of enthusiastic activists into a party covering all corners of the country, which made breathtaking achievements by winning five consecutive Presidential elections propped by the hard working men and women who represent the party in The National Assembly. The victories have without a doubt arisen through the hard tirelessly pounding legs of the members up and down the country in Wards and Branches. May I unequivocally say thanks to my former fellow members in Mwamba Luchembe Branch, Mpulungu Ward 23, Mandevu Constituency who entrusted me to be their Vice Treasurer for these years. In particular, I salute the Mwamba Luchembe Branch Chairman Mr Eford Chirwa who also happens to be my dear father, the Chairlady Mrs Ronica Tembo and Youth Chairman Mr Malama Mvula.

But here we are in 2010, just more than twelve months after the last contested Presidential victory, and everything has deteriorated to such an extent that the party is literary paralysed and facing death. The party that was once composed of comrades and best friends unified in the struggle for eradicating poverty, illiteracy and disease, while being the guardian for peace has turned into a promoter of injustice, corruption, visionless and has become too narcissistic for a moderate to swallow.

This is not the party that I was involved in over the years. Nor is it a party that I want to continue to participate in. For these reasons, I am cutting my umbilical cord connected to the party, because I cannot compromise my beliefs of good citizenship that is untarnished, that does not tolerate corruption and cheating, that upholds the rule of law, and above all that which is prepared to work for total liberation of the people of Zambia from the economic malaise. I am an engineer and I will build Zambia in my new family of compassionate Zambians who believe in my cause for building an industrialised Zambia where every child will proudly grow to be a gallant citizen with the best of education the country can offer and ready to honestly contribute to the development of his/her country.

I hope you will bear with my explanation of why I must resign. After so many years of service at Mwamba Luchembe Branch and MMD as a whole, my decision to resign is a huge step and I want to be clear in my reasons why I must do so.

I disagree with the government’s and MMD’s policy on economy that is so backward looking for the 21st Century, it makes our people far much worst off with increased poverty. Appeasing investors, who are contributing very little to our country, while without shame kneeling for aid from donors is tightening the shackles we rightly thought were removed at independence. Promoting agriculture without giving the people the tools to grow more and efficiently is disastrous, especially when you (MMD) do not believe in your own agriculture policy. Disregarding the creation of manufacturing which is the true developmental vehicle that will see job creation in millions is economic incompetence beyond belief. Total dependency on investors to drop out of the sky without pro-actively seeking for those who will genuinely come and develop Zambia is short sighted. Poor planning in the distribution of funding among provinces is just too bias. Poor tourism strategy that is ignoring Livingstone as the true gem that can spin triillions and trillions of Kwachas if properly developed is suicidal. Erratic and catastrophic decision making on infrastructure construction, including the inert approach towards the railway lines which are the blood streams of any landlocked country, is unacceptable because the economic targets will never be realised without the railways and good roads.

I disagree with the government’s and MMD’s lack of policy in resolving education, health and housing. If you ask, you will be told they are being addressed. But the reality is contrary as we continue seeing Grade 7 pupils still being thrown on the rubbish tip of dropouts, the poor are dying as they cannot afford medication and families are now permanently living in dilapidated shanties that are beyond human habitation.

I disagree with the government’s and MMD’s approach to fighting corruption. The perception of many Zambians is that the party is corrupt to the core. The party does not protect human rights and has total disregard of the law. In addition, does not entertain differences in opinion, which is the foundation of democracy. The sacking of very good almost irreplaceable professionals who have different progressive views is so totalitarian that the whole meaning of the MMD slogan is rendered unfit for purpose.

I disagree with the government’s and MMD’s approach in formulating the necessary laws, legislations and all the instruments pertaining to national governance. The tampering of the legislature; the tampering of the NCC who are preparing the constitution, not only for us today, but also for our siblings and the introduction of possessing a university degree as a pre-requisite for Presidential candidate is not right especially when the education system is in turmoil. But minimal attainment is needed and Zambia’s level is Grade twelve until we sort out the education system.

I disagree with the government’s and MMD’s approach to politicise the civil service and other “QUANGOs” (Quasi Non Governmental Organisations) who are suppose to be impartial and ready to serve any government in power. The total control of the civil service has created an impression that is characterised by corrupt activities.

I disagree with the MMD’s NEC running of the party that has developed a suffocating culture of centralism and bureaucracy, thereby creating an atmosphere which stifles individual initiatives. When the NEC is by-passed through media pages and stations that is when members are approached usually with negative consequences that have been concocted through knee jerking. I m a deep thinker and prudent solver of problems who wanted to help, offer change and blow fresh air that injects oxygen into those dead woods. I was not given a chance due to greed. It is hardly surprising that much of the party’s grassroots simply drifting off into passive mode or leaving. The party has become increasingly marginalised and facing death in 2011 and Zambians will make sure it does.

Those who remain in the MMD party face a hard uphill struggle to make the party credible in the eyes of its own supporters, Zambians and relevant to the needs of the 21st century. The MMD was a bold and brave experiment that ultimately failed. At present being a member of MMD is like being in a room with a hungry lion. The atmosphere is so toxic that members have stopped to communicate in a civilised manner.

Politically I am now moving to the next step in my plan that is on schedule. I am leaving with no regret or bitterness towards anyone. I value the many good friends, all those who worked for me within the party. It is with heavy heart that I must end my membership of the MMD and therefore resign due to the many reasons including those stipulated above. You should not cry for me as my new home is extremely warmer and I will let you know its address at an appropriate time.

Professor Efford CLIVE Mulubwa Kondwani CHIRWA

Government has refuted opposition Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata’s allegations that President Rupiah Banda is fighting to restore former President Frederick Chiluba’s immunity.

Chief Government Spokesperson Lt. Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha says Mr. Sata’s statement in today’s edition of The Post, is a total fabrication founded on his propensity to tell lies and mislead the nation.

He has since challenged Mr. Sata to provide evidence that President Banda is fighting to restore Dr. Chiluba’s immunity. In a statement released in Lusaka this evening and made available to ZANIS Lt. Gen Shikapwasha said the statement is false because President Banda is not a member of the National Constitution Conference (NCC) and cannot, therefore, use the NCC to fight for the restoration of Dr. Chiluba’s immunity.

He explained that the NCC works independent of the President and has representation of people from all walks of life, most of whom, he said, have no common forum with President Banda where he can instruct them on what clauses to put in the constitution.

Gen. Shikapwasha said the NCC has people from the opposition political parties, non-governmental organisations, the church and many other sections of society. He said there is no way such a representative body could be manipulated to engage into addressing personal issues.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said Mr. Sata’s statement is an insult to the men and women of integrity sitting on the NCC, as he is insinuating that they are not thinking but only acting on someone’s instructions.

He said as far as the government is concerned President Banda has nothing to benefit from the restoration of Dr. Chiluba’s immunity. Mr. Sata is quoted in today’s edition of The Post as having said President Rupiah Banda is fighting hard to restore former President Dr. Frederick Chiluba’s immunity.

ZANIS

The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA) has expressed happiness at the performance of girls in the 2009 grade nine examinations.

FAWEZA National Coordinator Daphne Chimuka says the current performance rate of girls is a clear indication that Zambia is making progress in its quest to promote girl child education.

She told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the country’s efforts in achieving high levels of women’s participation in decision making positions are slowly becoming a reality.

Ms Chimuka noted that a six percent progression rate from 2008 should be seen as a signal that the country is on track towards achieving education for all by 2015.

She commended government for allowing all female candidates who obtained full certificates in Western province to go through to Grade 10.

She said the move taken by government will go a long way in encouraging more girls to access high school education and will ultimately improve their lives.

Meanwhile, Ms. Chimuka has urged government to increase the number of boarding school places in Western Province. She said that currently there are few high and boarding school places making it difficult for those selected but coming from far areas to get places.

She said this situation has put candidates especially girls at a high risk of being abused and exploited as they are made to seek accommodation elsewhere rather than within the school premises.

Ms. Chimuka further added that this is why stakeholders should challenge government to include a chapter in the Sixth National Development Plan that will advocate for an increase in the number of boarding schools in the country.

The Ministry of Education announced a six percent progression rate in the 2009 grade nine results where 133,241 out 247,247 candidates who sat for examinations last year were selected to grade 10.

ZANIS