Maravi

Banda's threats to critics' businesses worry Hakainde

Banda's threats to critics' businesses worry Hakainde
By Patson Chilemba and Lambwe Kachali
Sunday September 07, 2008 [04:00]

OPPOSITION UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday observed that Zambia is already seeing dictatorship from Acting President Rupiah Banda’s camp through their threats to suppress commercial interests of individuals who opposed his candidature. And Hichilema said Acting President Banda represents the past. Meanwhile, losing MMD presidential aspirant Ludwig Sondashi said he was available to campaign for Vice-President Banda.

In an interview, Hichilema said Acting President Banda’s camp had already started exhibiting dictatorial tendencies of the past by threatening commercial interests of people who opposed the Acting President’s candidature as MMD presidential candidate for the forthcoming by-election.

He said Zambians should brace themselves for more hard times should they make a mistake of electing Acting President Banda and the MMD.
“Commercial entities must operate freely whether they support anybody or not. Their interests should not be suppressed. If The Post supported Magande, I have got no issues and why should somebody focus on victimising those they deal with?” Hichilema asked. “We are already seeing dictatorship, a clue of how Rupiah will run government.”

And commenting on whether the adoption of Acting President Banda as MMD candidate in the forthcoming presidential by-election was a threat to his party, Hichilema said UPND was not threatened with his adoption.

“The answer is no. We are not threatened about Rupiah Banda. We are actually pleased with his candidature because he represents the past, he does not represent the future of our country” Hichilema said. “It’s clear he has been into the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. I think every generation has got a role in the country and should pass on the mantle to the other generation. The choice of adopting Banda has helped us.”

Hichilema said the greediness that characterised Acting President Banda’s Cabinet, through the awarding of hefty allowances to constitutional office holders and senior government officials, should be replaced with selfless leadership. He said once elected, UPND would make it a priority to cancel the hefty allowances and salaries which Cabinet ministers awarded themselves.

Hichilema said such resources would be channeled to other deserving areas such as the University of Zambia (UNZA) and hospitals.

“Rupiah Banda’s Cabinet acted in an irresponsible manner when the President was in hospital. They knew that the President was dying,” he said.

Hichilema also said he would build on late President Levy Mwanawasa’s fight against corruption by legalising the Task Force and harmonise it with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

“Voting Rupiah would be a regression. When you look at Rupiah’s team, there are those people with desire to complete the unfinished business, those who were not satisfied in the Levy and Frederick Chiluba’s administrations,” he said.

Hichilema further said it was sad to hear suggestions that the by-election should not be held because of the huge costs involved. He said Zambians agreed on following the Constitution.

“Money is there. Why do they give themselves responsibility allowances if there is no money? The donors have also pledged money,” said Hichilema.

And Sondashi said he had conceded defeat and wished Acting President Banda well. He urged MMD members complaining against Acting President Banda’s victory to stop as doing so would not do the party any good.

“I have conceded defeat and I must congratulate His Honour, the Vice-President for winning the elections. As a founding member, I am available to campaign for him. I say this with the fact that in MMD, we should perfect the elections in future so that they can be more credible,” Sondashi said.

Meanwhile, Zambia Republican Party president Ben Mwila said the adoption of Banda as MMD presidential candidate was an indication that democracy was slowly maturing in Zambia. He said there was no need for MMD members to fight or quarrel but should instead rally behind Acting President Banda.

He said in politics, common good should always supersede personal and selfish interest.

Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 3:37 AM