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Make noise until appeal is readmitted, Bishop Kamukwamba urges Zambians

Make noise until appeal is readmitted, Bishop Kamukwamba urges Zambians
Written by Mutuna Chanda in Kitwe
Sunday, October 04, 2009 4:57:28 PM

ANGLICAN Diocese of Central Zambia Bishop Derek Kamukwamba has said Zambians must make noise until the appeal against former president Frederick Chiluba's acquittal of corruption charges is readmitted.

And Roman Catholic Fr George Kaoma has said civil society organisations' resolve for Zambians to honk and whistle against Chiluba's acquittal sends a clear message to those who blocked the appeal against chiluba that citizens are not satisfied with the outcome of the case.

Commenting on civil society's demand for the appeal against the acquittal of Chiluba, Bishop Kamukwamba said a higher court should be allowed to clear the air regarding Chiluba's acquittal.

“It is necessary that the law should be exhausted and there should be no shortcuts,” Bishop Kamukwamba said. “We need to move forward until we reach the last stage to the highest court.”

He said blocking the appeal against Chiluba in the manner the government did raised a lot of questions.

“The desire is that the only institution that can clear the air should be allowed to do so,” said Bishop Kamukwamba.

And Fr Kaoma, who spoke in his individual capacity, said what was on the ground with regard to the acquittal of Chiluba was different from President Rupiah Banda's supposition that Zambians had accepted the outcome of the case.

“People have a right to demand justice whenever they feel that things haven't been done accordingly,” Fr Kaoma said. “This will send a clear message to those in authority and those who blocked the appeal ... that what is on the ground is different.”

He said Zambians were not satisfied with the government's justifications of its actions over Chiluba's case.

He said it was confusing that Chiluba's co-accused former Access Financial Services Limited directors Aaron Chungu and Faustin Kabwe had been convicted while Chiluba who was in the forefront had been let to walk free.

Fr Kaoma said though he had a lot of respect for Chiluba and the courts that acquitted him, Zambians should not remain silent in view of the questions surrounding the case until it was finally disposed of by a higher court.

Labels: DEMONSTRATION

posted by MrK @ 3:58 PM