Maravi

Chiluba's acquittal is a matter of concern – Tilyenji

Chiluba's acquittal is a matter of concern – Tilyenji
Written by Agness Changala
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 4:58:33 AM

UNIP president Tilyenji Kaunda has said former president Frederick Chiluba's acquittal is a matter of concern to all Zambians. And Tilyenji said UNIP supports self-regulation of the media as opposed to a state imposed regulatory regime. At a press briefing yesterday in Lusaka, Tilyenji urged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to reflect deeply on the developments in the judicial system and take measures that would uphold the confidence of all Zambians.

He said if people lost confidence in the integrity of the Judiciary, the democratic systems that the country aspired to build would be seriously compromised.

"Our plea is not to ignore legitimate grievances in this debate, but rather that the issue at the core of the controversies should be resolved by an oversight body in an ethical manner within the confines of the profession," he said.

"What happened is real, some of us agree with it while some of us don't agree with it. But what we are saying is that let professionals give objective opinions on the issue."

Tilyenji said it would be totally undemocratic and dictatorial to impose state regulation of the media in any form in this century.

"It is good that the members of the press remain alive to the challenge of protecting press freedom and the rights to freedom of expression and assembly of all citizens and all people who call Zambia their home," Tilyenji said.

He said a vibrant democratic system required a vibrant press because it resulted in enhanced voice and accountability in society.

Tilyenji said UNIP was also concerned over the issue of privatising the public media as announced recently.

He said it was a matter that required careful consideration given its bias towards urban centres and backwardness in technology and content.

"Increased investment in this sector is desirable from both the private sector and the state to ensure balanced infrastructure development as well as quality local content from the production houses," he said.

On the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), Tilyenji said the next constitution of Zambia should provide better systems, procedures and mechanisms that would impose restraints on power, authority and create incentives for appropriate behaviour and actions.

He said there was no need for a strong president who controlled everything.

"Those days for strong presidents who control everything are gone, we need a constitution that will repel the colonialists and one that will raise Zambians from the poverty and take them back to what we left in 1991," he said.

Tilyenji called for the speedy completion of the constitution-making process.

He urged the delegates to come up with a people-driven constitution.

"It has to be a constitution that protects and promotes their human rights and guarantees in particular their social and economic needs," he said.

Tilyenji said Zambians deserved better access to resources to take development in their own hands.

"Zambians deserve better access to quality education and health care, water and sanitation and all-round integrated development to guarantee improved living standards," Tilyenji said.

He said economic and social benefits could only reach citizens at large if those entrusted with power and authority acted properly and responsibly.

Tilyenji said the demand for good governance in Africa and Zambia inclusive was real.

"We must hold to account those who are privileged to preside over national resources when it appeared that hunger, poverty and general lack of development abounds," he said.

Tilyenji urged Zambians to raise questions when those in power insisted on imposing economic models which had collapsed or failed where they originated.

UNIP turns fifty years next month and the party is preparing to commemorate the event in all parts of the country.

Labels: CHILUBA, TILYENJI KAUNDA

posted by MrK @ 3:59 AM