Maravi

Chishimba urges PF members to unite

Chishimba urges PF members to unite
Written by Mwila Chansa in Kitwe
Monday, December 01, 2008 3:47:22 AM

PATRIOTIC Front ( PF) Kasama Central member of parliament Saviour Chishimba has called on party members to put their differences behind and unite for the sake of posterity.

And Chishimba claimed that contrary to the picture portrayed in the media, his relationship with PF president Michael Sata was cordial.

Commenting on Sata's recent statement that he was welcome to challenge him for presidency at the party's general congress, Chishimba believed that Sata meant well.

"I believe that Mr Michael Chilufya Sata our president means well predominantly because a couple of years ago, I had a fruitful discussion with him where he called on us the young leaders to reposition ourselves strategically to succeed him," he said. "If that statement is emanating from that wise discussion we had two years ago, I am sure the statement is genuine."

Chishimba said if there was anything he wanted to see more than anything, it was for PF members to put their differences behind so that the party was re-organised.

He pledged to make whatever contribution aimed at making the party vibrant.

And Chishimba said he and Sata were not enemies.

"The media might portray that our relationship is sour but we talk; I call him and he calls me. We may have divergent views on certain issues but at the end of the day, we are members of one party and we are both staunch Catholics; we belong to one faith," Chishimba said.

Chishimba. who showered praises on the PF leader, described himself as a product of Sata when it came to courage and fearlessness.

"I have learnt a lot from him; to take what I believe in and stick to it," Chishimba said.

He added that no young or upcoming politician could afford to ignore or underrate Sata.

"If there is anyone who can lose out politically, it is the person who underrates or ignores him [Sata]. He is a unique politician," said Chishimba.

He said young politicians could look up to Sata in understanding the country's political dynamics adding that they could also learn something from him in terms of organisation skills.

Chishimba further described Sata as the only shrewd politician present who had taught him a lot.

"Even when you hear my debates in Parliament, they are very simple and straightforward. They focus on the things that Zambians want; housing, food, more money and reduced tax."

And Chishimba urged Sata to provide leadership as an ageing politician and look at Zambia beyond his life.

Labels: PF, SAVIOUR CHISHIMBA

posted by MrK @ 3:47 AM