HH's monkey remark annoys Chiluba

HH's monkey remark annoys Chiluba
By Bivan Saluseki
Sunday May 27, 2007 [04:00]

Frederick Chiluba is demanding monetary compensation from opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema for likening him to a monkey in a maize field. And Chiluba's spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday said rumours of Chiluba's death being spread by some people were terrible. Hichilema confirmed that he received a letter from Chiluba complaining that his statement in which he said stealing of public resources was terrifying and shameful, was libelous. Hichilema said he was consulting over the matter.

"We received the letter and we are currently doing some consultation. I'm not judge Smith. We must separate our personality from actions," Hichilema said. " Anyone taking away from the people should be condemned and I repeat what I said that thieving that went on during his administration was terrifying and shameful," said Hichilema.

UPND sources said Chiluba through his lawyers had written a letter to Hichilema in which he expressed his displeasure at the statement. Recently, Hichilema likened the Chiluba term of office to having a monkey in charge of a maize field. "How can you make monkey a captain of a maize field? You know that a monkey eats maize, so what do you expect?" said Hichilema

But the statement incensed Chiluba and he requested that Hichilema, who is his neighbour, offer amends by paying him. "This man wants money from our president, even what he stole is not enough," said a UPND source. The source said Chiluba had asked Hichilema to state how much he would pay.

When contacted, Mwamba said he was not aware of the demands. He said the matter was probably being handled by Chiluba's lawyers. Recently, Hichilema described Chiluba's thefts as disgraceful and horrifying. He said it was shameful that Chiluba even had the audacity to say he did nothing wrong. Meanwhile Mwamba said there were rumours spreading that Chiluba had died. He said such statements were terrible.

"Dr Chiluba is well. He is seated with his wife and resting," he said. Mwamba said Chiluba was in stable condition. He said Chiluba was still under observation and had undergone medical tests on Friday. On Friday, Mwamba said Chiluba collapsed due to stress. He said he thought the stress was associated to Chiluba's cardiac problem. Mwamba said this had been a difficult month for Chiluba. UTH spokesperson Pauline Mbangweta said Chiluba's condition was stable.