Maravi

Shikapwasha’s change of position over Chiluba shows lack of morals – HH

Shikapwasha’s change of position over Chiluba shows lack of morals – HH
Written by Patson Chilemba
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 2:41:24 PM

OPPOSITION UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday observed that Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha's change of position over Frederick Chiluba shows lack of principles and morals.

Commenting on chief government spokesperson Lt Gen Shikapwasha's statement that God will answer former president Chiluba's prayers and yet in 2004 he [Shikapwasha] asked pastors who received money from Chiluba to confess because it was plundered money, Hichilema said Lt Gen Shikapwasha was inconsistent just like his government and MMD were inconsistent on national issues.

"You must understand that MMD is inconsistent. You just have to look at many issues. And I am not surprised that Shikapwasha will say this and tomorrow say another thing just because it suits him. Running a country is more than a convenience. It shows you a lack of principles and morals," Hichilema said. "They are trying to cover themselves from the many alleged corruption cases such as the GMO maize importation saga, ZAMTEL saga, Selex saga and many others by appearing to side with those who are facing corruption charges."

Hichilema further said the court process involving Chiluba should be allowed to take its course without interference from anyone.

Hichilema said this was not the time to allow opportunism to hijack the process.

On Monday, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said God was Chiluba's strength.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha made the remarks in response to Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata's assertions that Chiluba was a desperate person who has found President Rupiah Banda's shoulder safer to lean on.

When asked if President Banda's pardon of Chiluba would be welcome, Lt Gen Shikapwasha responded: "There are many prisoners every year that the President pardons. Last year, late president [Levy] Mwanawasa pardoned 700 prisoners. President Banda pardoned some prisoners this year. All those are Zambians and when a President makes a decision in that line, he should be supported."

Asked if the Zambians he was talking about included the pardon of Chiluba, Lt Gen Shikapwasha responded: "Aren't we all Zambians?"

However, in 2004 Lt Gen Shikapwasha had said pastors who received money from Chiluba should confess because it was plundered money.

But Chiluba said Lt Gen Shikapwasha should respect him because he was his commander-in-chief.

Chiluba said he took with great exception Lt Gen Shikapwasha's attempt to discredit him although this was falling in the wider motives of government to continue with their political harassment against him.

Labels: CHILUBA, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, SHIKAPWASHA

posted by MrK @ 2:41 PM