Maravi

Rupiah should address donors' concerns, says Sata

Rupiah should address donors' concerns, says Sata
Written by George Chellah
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 5:16:16 PM

RUPIAH must not bluff or be defensive let him address the donor's concerns on corruption, Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata said on Tuesday. And Sata advised President Banda to rescue the country's judiciary, whose integrity has been destroyed following judge Phillip Musonda's recent judgment.

Speaking ahead of President Banda's press conference at State House on Wednesday, Sata advised President Banda to handle matters facing the country with seriousness at his press conference.

"Frankly, we don't expect anything from Rupiah apart from him being defensive. But I would advise him not to bluff or be defensive for once. Let him address the donor's concerns on corruption," Sata said. "He should come out strongly and show his commitment to the fight against corruption because that's the message the donors want to hear. Tell him that no bluffing let him not talk about his knee operation."
He said the international community wanted to know President Banda's stand on corruption.

"He should be seen to be serious this time around," he said.
Sata said Zambians generally have very low expectations from President Banda's address.

"He should cease this opportunity and prove us wrong that what we think about him is not correct," Sata said. "He should come out in the open and say something about the numerous problems facing the country such as industrial strikes."
He also urged President Banda to suspend the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) and channel the funds to other needy sectors.

"If he suspended the NCC the problems of strikes could be a thing of the past because that money they are wasting on the NCC can be used to pay nurses, teachers and other civil servants' salaries," he said.

Sata advised President Banda to rescue the country's judiciary, whose integrity has been destroyed following judge Phillip Musonda's recent judgment.
"He has to reinstate the integrity of the judiciary, judge Musonda has punched holes in the supremacy of the Supreme Court," he said.

President Banda is tomorrow expected to hold a press conference at State House.
According to a statement issued by State House special assistant for press and public, Dickson Jere the press conference would begin at 10:30 hours and members of the diplomatic corps and accredited journalists that wish to attend the conference should be seated by 10:00 hours.

Labels: CORRUPTION, DONORS, RUPIAH BANDA, SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:16 PM