Maravi

Lubinda ‘itching’ for Rupiah’s prosecution

Lubinda ‘itching’ for Rupiah’s prosecution
Written by Sheikh Chifuwe in Kasama
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:04:20 PM

PATRIOTIC Front spokesperson Given Lubinda has said he is itching for the prosecution of President Rupiah Banda when he leaves office in 2011.

Addressing a newsmakers forum organised by the Press Freedom Committee of The Post at Ludo Lodge in Kasama on Saturday, Lubinda said MMD spokesperson Ben Tetamashimba had established a prima facie case against President Rupiah Banda when he stated that he was aware of the corruption in the Ministry of Defence when George Mpombo was minister.

"I want to say that Mr Rupiah Banda, you have committed a serious offence by abetting crime. If you don't resign now, when we come into power, I shall plead with my colleagues even if I don't become minister to finish some unfinished business. I want to be witness number one against Rupiah," he said.

Outlining ten points why he thought the MMD under the leadership of President Banda was ready to go, Lubinda said the ruling party had stolen enough from the national treasury, while they did not have respect for human dignity.

He said the MMD had failed to provide leadership that could inspire the citizens.

"They have no respect for the law. The MMD government gives preference to foreigners than their nationals. The leadership is very mediocre. I can count people with calibre and integrity on my one hand in the MMD," he said.

And Lubinda said he was ready to testify in any court of law, whether in Zambia or China, to prove that some Chinese nationals in Zambia were involved in corrupt activities in favour of the ruling MMD.

Lubinda warned the Chinese working in Zambia to respect the sovereignty of the country because they could be bruised if they did not stop meddling in Zambia’s internal politics.

He reiterated that there was heavy presence of the Chinese nationals corrupting voters in Chitambo Constituency over the forthcoming by-election in favour of the ruling party, although this has been denied by the MMD.

"I stand on the firm ground by saying that Chinamen are corrupting the people. I am ready to stand in any court of law whether in Zambia or Shanghai," he said. "This is a friendly warning that all the Chinamen involved in the Chitambo by-election will be injured."

Lubinda narrated how in 2008 the Chinese Embassy officials allegedly phoned PF leadership to offer them a bribe when it became apparent that opposition leader Michael Sata was going to win the presidential election.

He explained that the offer was, however, withdrawn when the outcome of the results favoured then MMD presidential candidate, Rupiah Banda

He also warned the Chinese government that the Zambian government would never pay back the loan they intended to give Zambia for the mobile hospitals because they were not in the best interest of the Zambian people.

"We, the Zambian people are ready for President Rupiah Banda and all his friends like yourselves (Chinese). We have allowed you to do business in our country, but please respect us. When we invited you into our house, please don't enter our bedroom because we shall injure you," warned Lubinda.

UPND Chikankata member of parliament, Munji Habeenzu urged the members of UPND and PF to accommodate all those moving from other political parties to join the pact.

Habeenzu said genuine people from the ruling MMD were also in desperate need of deliverance from the current regime.

"The majority of our people are not able to get `their basic needs such as clean water, medical facilities and food because of the poor management of the country," said Habeenzu.

PF Lukasha member of parliament Alfridah Mwamba said the pact was building a firm ground of proven leadership and general membership.

She told residents of Kasama to remain resolute and focus on the bigger picture of delivering the country from the current situation.

UPND chairlady for youth affairs Charity Chileshe urged the residents of Northern Province to turn themselves into serious campaigners for the 2011 elections in order to deliver the country from the current political and economic malaise.

She said Zambians needed to be united now more than ever before because the suffering was overwhelming.

Lubanseshi PF member of parliament, Lazarous Chota expressed confidence that nothing would stop the revolution started by the PF-UPND pact because it was driven by the people.

Chota urged the grassroot membership of PF and UPND to become serious about the pact as it was the only vehicle that could end the suffering of the people.

"This revolution is so entrenched that no one can stop it," Chota said.

A resident, Teddy Mwenshi urged the leaders of the two parties to only seek advice from people who were interested in the welfare of the country.

Labels: GIVEN LUBINDA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 3:07 PM