Maravi

Rupiah’s justification of Chalwe’s violence

Rupiah’s justification of Chalwe’s violence
By Editor
Tue 26 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT

DISCIPLINE is the most powerful weapon in any struggle one may be involved in.

A political party can only carry out its mandate if there is discipline, and where there is no discipline there can be no real progress. For this reason, the leadership of the ruling MMD need to pay a lot of attention to Sebastian Kopulande's call for discipline in the party.

And more particularly, the MMD needs to heed Kopulande's call for the punishing of Chris Chalwe. The behaviour of Chalwe will only be tolerated at the risk of the MMD totally losing its respect among our people.

Such criminal behaviour cannot be justified in any way. And it is extremely embarrassing to learn that Rupiah Banda finds Chalwe's criminal behaviour justifiable. No political position can justify Chalwe's behaviour. No crime should be allowed to be committed in the defence of Rupiah or anyone else for that matter.

For Rupiah to say Chalwe's behaviour should not be condemned because he was merely reacting to Edith Nawakwi's insults against Rupiah is absurd. It seems anyone can commit crimes in the name of Rupiah, in defence of Rupiah and get away with it. One can commit any crime, as long as it's being done in support or defence of Rupiah then it’s alright - it ceases to be a crime.

This is a very jaundiced way of looking at things. No crime should be committed in support or defence of Rupiah. There are many legal ways in which Rupiah can be defended or supported. There are sections in our Penal Code that protect Rupiah, as President of the Republic from being defamed or insulted. And where the attacks on Rupiah are of a political nature, political counter-attacks can be launched in his defence. But again, these have to be within the law.

To us Rupiah seems to be the kind of father who if he found another boy fighting with his son, he would join and hold that other boy's hands and allow his son to turn him into a punching bag. For a man of Rupiah's age, his attitude towards violence is frightening.

The man's heart seems to be bursting with intolerance and vengefulness. Rupiah is clearly a merciless leader who doesn't seem to care about the plight or wellbeing, humanity of his political opponents. Rupiah deals with his political opponents mercilessly.

His blindness to the plight of others makes him unsuitable to such a top position in the leadership of our country, for a leader must temper justice with mercy. However, it is said that you cannot know a man completely, his character, his principles, sense of judgment, not till he's shown his colours, ruling the people.

Rupiah should at least show some restraint or compassion where Edith Nawakwi is concerned because she was part of his campaign team in 2008. Nawakwi risked a lot politically to support Rupiah and she is still battling to correct her dented political image resulting from that unpopular political alliance. If Rupiah can treat Nawakwi in that manner, what chance is there for those who campaigned against him?

As we approach next year's elections, we must express concern regarding violence, intolerance, intimidation and lust for power. In the present atmosphere of fierce competition, we remind our politicians and their cadres of the noble goals of political activity. Politics should be aimed at promoting the common good and the service of all the people. Political campaigns must be carried out in a peaceful way, devoid of violence.

All our politicians and their cadres must be guided by the truth, integrity and justice. It is necessary to remind Rupiah and all other politicians that politics is for the good of our people and our country, and not for the political survival of any individual or political party. If the spirit of the primacy of the common good were to animate all our political parties and their leaders and cadres, we would not witness threats of violence and violence which leaves the public dismayed and disheartened.

It is very difficult to justify or defend Rupiah's justification and defence of Chalwe's threats of violence, threats to gang-rape Nawakwi. But this is not the first time Rupiah is justifying and defending the violence of Chalwe and other MMD cadres. When our journalists were being attacked by Chalwe and other MMD cadres, Rupiah's response was that they were provoked because of the insults against him.

For Rupiah violence or threats of violence are welcome as long as they are being committed in the defence of his political interest.

This is certainly not the best way a President of the country should look at violence. Those who offer themselves for leadership positions are expected to listen to the concerns of the people and be selfless in responding to the needs of all; they should be courageous in speaking out the truth and show concern for the rule of law and for justice. Good moral standing is important in a leader. Rupiah's defence of Chalwe does not show good moral standing on his part.

It is said that a skilled craftsman is admired for the things he makes, a leader's wisdom is proved by his words and actions. Someone who speaks rashly and recklessly will be feared and hated by many. A wise leader will lead his people away from violence, and his government will be orderly. And all the officials and all the citizens will be like their ruler. An unwise leader will ruin his people, but a government will grow strong if its rulers are wise.

We are also told that "when evil men are in power, crime increases. But the righteous will live to see the downfall of such men" (Prov 29:16).

There are many verses in Proverbs that are of great value to any leader who wants to govern the affairs of his people in a more efficient, effective and orderly manner.

It is said that "poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is as dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear. A ruler without good sense will be a cruel tyrant, one who hates dishonesty will rule a long time" (Prov 28:15-16).

And Rupiah should not be so incensed with criticism. As a leader of the Republic, and not a monarchy like his young friend Swazi King Mswati, Rupiah will be subjected to a lot of criticism, and some of it very harsh. And he should learn to stomach all that.

After all, he's well compensated for all that through the gigantic benefits he gets from the Zambian taxpayer. And moreover, curses cannot hurt you unless you deserve them. They are said to be like birds that fly by night and never light.

Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. If you plant seeds of injustice, disaster will spring up, and your oppression of others will end. But wicked people are always hungry for evil: they have no mercy on anyone. However, the wicked bring on themselves the suffering they try to cause good people; they get caught themselves in the traps they set for others.

It is said that the wise king will find out who is doing wrong and punish him. Anyone who thinks and speaks evil can expect to find nothing good - only disaster; evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil. Those who are good travel the road that avoids evil. Evil people listen to evil ideas as liars listen to lies. An intelligent person learns more from one rebuke than a fool learns from being beaten a hundred times.

Good leaders cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong. Wise people walk the road that leads upward to life, not the road the leads downward to death. Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do that which is right. Wicked people bring about their own downfall by their evil deeds, but good people are protected by their integrity. You will earn the trust and respect of others if you work for good; if you work for evil, you are making a mistake. Honest people hate lies, but the words of wicked people are shameful and disgraceful.

Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice. Those who are wise in the MMD leadership should meditate deeply over Kopulande's observations about the need for discipline in the party, especially Chalwe's criminal behaviour.

Sensible people accept good advice. People who talk foolishly will come to ruin (Prov 10:8). Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble, but one who openly criticises works for peace (Prov 10:10).

Labels: CHRIS CHALWE, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:41 PM