MMD in Mpongwe backs Namulambe

MMD in Mpongwe backs Namulambe
By George Chellah
Sun 29 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT

Science, technology and vocational training minister Gabriel Namulambe (l) receiving a traditional handbag from vice-board chairman pastor Pumulo Muyunda during the Mongu Trades Training Institute’s 4th graduation ceremony on Friday - Picture by Royd Sibanjene/ZANIS

THE MMD in Mpongwe Constituency in Ndola rural has resolved to rally behind their member of parliament Gabriel Namulambe and warned that the ruling party will disastrously lose the seat if the national executive committee (NEC) expels him over his uncompromising stance on the Mwanawasa legacy.

And the MMD in Mpongwe has stated that Namulambe is not going to apologise over his observations on late president Levy Mwanawasa's legacy.

Reacting to attacks that science, technology and vocational training minister Gabriel Namulambe's observations on the Mwananasa legacy have attracted, Mpongwe Constituency MMD chairman Cosmas Mwetela said on Friday that the people of Mpongwe have endorsed Namulambe's statement.

"I have been constituency chairman here...and I know that the grassroot is not happy with how we are suffering as Lambas. That's why we are 100 per cent behind what Honourable Namulambe is saying," Mwetela said. "If Mulongoti wants to prove himself, let him come and address a meeting in Mpongwe. He will be embarrassed."

And Mpongwe district MMD chairman Sailas Ngowani also backed Namulambe's position.

"We are behind the speech that Honourable Namulambe said in The Post Newspaper. We Lambas are suffering a lot. If Mulongoti wants to prove himself, let him come here so that he proves himself. He will be disappointed," he said.

And Mpongwe district council immediate past chairman and MMD district youth chairman Nebert Mukwalala dismissed MMD spokesperson Mike Mulongoti's remarks on Namulambe. He said Namulambe generally presented the views of the Lamba-speaking people of Ndola rural.

"When you come on the ground, that's the true reflection. Mulongoti if he wants to consult, he should consult us who are on the ground, not people who are in Lusaka," Mukwalala said. "Honourable Namulambe consulted before coming up with that position. Mpongwe district is very vast, even up to the last point of about 144 kilometres, that's the view."

Mukwalala said it was true that Lambas were hurt and felt frustrated about the way the Mwanawasa legacy is being attacked.

"They should not think it's coming from Namulambe alone, no! If Honourable Mulongoti wants, we can organise a meeting for him so that he gets it himself," he said.

Mukwalala said there was nothing tribal about the issues Namulambe raised. He advised newly appointed Lusaka Province MMD chairman William Banda to concentrate on organising the party in Lusaka.

"Honourable Namulambe is not going to apologise. Even if Namulambe is expelled today, tomorrow he can bounce back. They shouldn't even make a mistake of expelling Namulambe because if they did that it will be like Solwezi...those figures in Solwezi were even close," said Mukwalala amidst laughter.

"They can't even make a mistake of expelling Namulambe. Let not the NEC think of expelling Namulambe. Let them get his views. We will not allow people to insult the late president Mwanawasa's legacy."

Last week Namulambe observed that the Lamba people feel frustrated, hurt and injured that some people have publicly declared that they hated Mwanawasa whom they allege was corrupt.

On Friday, William Banda was quoted in the public media as saying that Namulambe should realise that Mwanawasa was not elected president because of being a Lamba.
And MMD deputy national secretary Jeff Kaande described as unfortunate Namulambe's remarks. Kaande said much as he also did not like people insulting the late president, Namulambe should desist from dragging the late president's name into tribal politics because Mwanawasa was not a tribalist.

But Namulambe warned that he would not be intimidated by anyone because he is neither a coward nor a lightweight in politics.