(LUSAKATIMES) Zambia: Chief Mpezeni considers summoning Sata

Zambia: Chief Mpezeni considers summoning Sata

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province says he intends to summon Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata to his palace if he does not apologise over remarks that the tarring of the Chipata-Mfuwe road will benefit animals more than people.

Mr Sata is alleged to have accused President Banda of favouring the construction of the Chipata-Mfuwe road which leads to a game park where animals live at the expense of equal development of all provinces.

Chief Mpezeni said the remarks Mr Sata made over the commissioning of the road are demeaning and retrogressive to national development.

He said in an interview yesterday that it is important for Mr Sata to apologise to the people of Eastern Province and President Banda, failure to which he would summon him to his palace.

“I have read in the papers and I can confirm that I am just waiting for an official complaint from chiefs who live along the Chipata-Mfuwe road before any action can be taken,” Chief Mpezeni said.

He said hundreds of people live along the road which President Banda commissioned.

“What kind of leadership is Mr Sata going to bring if he continues to use such abusive language?” the chief asked.

He said much of the food which Mr Sata enjoys comes from Eastern Province despite the poor state of roads.
The chief said President Banda’s commissioning of the Chipata-Mfuwe road will help boost the agricultural sector in the province.

“I can never compare human beings to animals because I have respect for them. All I said is that even if the road is built, preference will be given to animals because people will be displaced to pave way for the road construction,” he said.
“Eastern Province has good soil for agriculture although the poor state of roads discourages many farmers from transporting their produce.

“ It is very unfortunate for someone who is aspiring to be a leader of the nation to utter injurious and demeaning remarks to people from whom he will be soliciting votes next year,” he said.

Chief Mpezeni advised Mr Sata to humble himself if he wanted to become a good leader in society.

But Mr Sata has clarified that he never likened the people of Eastern Province to animals.

“I can never compare human beings to animals because I have respect for them. All I said is that even if the road is built, preference will be given to animals because people will be displaced to pave way for the road construction,” he said.

Mr Sata said many roads in Eastern Province have been in a deplorable state for many years and that it is important to also give them attention.
Other chiefs in Eastern Province have also demanded an apology from Mr Sata.

[Zambia Daily Mail]