Mulongoti asks chief Puta to respect govt officials

Mulongoti asks chief Puta to respect govt officials
Written by Patson Chilemba
Monday, May 04, 2009 12:20:50 AM

WORKS and supply minister Mike Mulongoti yesterday asked chief Puta to respect government officials, saying respect is reciprocal.

Commenting on the statement by senior chief Puta of the Bwile people of Luapula Province that he would not allow MMD spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba's stupidity of attacking party national secretary Katele Kalumba anymore, Mulongoti said it was not fair for chief Puta to get involved in the matter.

He said chiefs should realise that their subjects engaged in certain activities during their course of life.

"I hope traditional leaders can retain their respect by confining themselves to matters that enhance dignity. They should be aware that if you throw bad language, you are inviting other people to throw bad language at you. We welcome counsel from traditional leaders but it must be done in a manner that doesn't subtract from their dignity," Mulongoti said.

He said if chief Puta recognised that Tetamashimba or any other government official had committed mistakes, the best was to call them and not attack them in the press. Mulongoti said it would not be surprising if Tetamashimba hit back in the same manner chief Puta attacked him.

"Of course, it's normal [if Tetamashimba reacted in the same manner]. Respect is reciprocal. If subjects enjoy the confidence of their chiefs, they will also reciprocate," said Mulongoti.

Last week, chief Puta said he would not allow Tetamashimba's stupidity of attacking Kalumba anymore.

Chief Puta's remarks come in the wake of comments by Tetamashimba that Kalumba should step aside after being put on his defence to answer corruption charges.

Tetamashimba had said the MMD would not allow a person who had been put on his defence to continue administering party matters and later on contest the MMD presidency.

But the traditional leader said he was the protector of his subjects and did not want anyone to tamper with them.

Chief Puta said he had earlier advised Kalumba to take a rest because of the unwarranted attacks but would now ask him to contest party positions including the presidency at the MMD convention.