Maravi

‘Chiefs are an endangered species at NCC’

‘Chiefs are an endangered species at NCC’
Written by Justin Katilungu in Chibombo
Sunday, October 04, 2009 4:55:10 PM

CHIEFS are becoming endangered species in the deliberations of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) in as far as the protection of their rights are concerned, senior chief Munokalya Mukuni of the Toka Leya people in Livingstone has said.

Chief Mukuni said this on behalf of other chiefs during a meeting with Vice-President George Kunda at Chibombo district council chamber yesterday.

"As chiefs we are worried with the current course the NCC is taking on the protection of the welfare and rights of chiefs. We need to address these concerns quickly. As chiefs we feel as being endangered species in the NCC," said chief Mukuni.

In response Vice-President Kunda assured the chiefs that the government would ensure that their rights remained protected.

He said that there were 18 chiefs taking part at NCC and the idea was to ensure that interests of traditional leaders were protected and safeguarded.

"Under the current Constitution, the institution of chiefs and their interests are well protected and in the Mung'omba Draft Constitution such an undertaking has been made too," he said.

Vice-President Kunda said there was no need for chiefs to fear because their interests would be protected.

He explained that the idea to revise the constitution was meant to improve its provisions and ensure that accrued rights were guarded and protected.

"I have taken note of the concerns raised and as a government we shall seek the best ways of addressing them especially when we deal with the subject on local government in the NCC deliberations," he said.

Vice-President Kunda said that the NNC was a consultative body willing to take on board positive suggestions chiefs would make.

Earlier, the Vice-President asked chiefs to work with the government in fostering national development.

Labels: CHIEF MUKUNI, CHIEFS, NCC

posted by MrK @ 3:53 PM