Maravi

Without my support Rupiah wouldn’t be in State House, says Nawakwi

Without my support Rupiah wouldn’t be in State House, says Nawakwi
By Patson Chilemba and Florence Bupe
Tue 26 Jan. 2010, 04:01 CAT

FDD president Edith Nawakwi yesterday said President Rupiah Banda's defence of the MMD 'gang-rapists' confirms that birds of the same feathers flock together.

Reacting to President Banda's statement that the MMD cadres that threatened to 'gang-rape' Nawakwi were merely reacting to the insults uttered against him by the opposition leader, Nawakwi asked President Banda to order for her arrest if she had insulted or defamed him in any way.

“If he wants to defend rapists, we say 'birds of the same feather flock together',” Nawakwi said.

“I think that as he continues to think he is infallible, untouchable, these leaders must learn that it doesn't pay to be above the people. They have degrees but they are failing to show the nation that they have degrees. They don't give hope to those who are not educated. Can Rupiah Banda confidently say he has a degree in economics?”

Nawakwi hoped President Banda did not say those words.

“I don't think he is out of his mind to say that. I will personally telephone him to hear his position. I would like to hear it from him. If I have insulted, I challenge the state to arrest me for defamation. There are mechanisms, measures to address insults directed at the head of state," Nawakwi said.

“Rupiah Banda knows without my support in the last elections, he wouldn't be in State House.”

Nawakwi said there was no insult in the statements she recently issued describing the President's style of governance such as isambo lyamfwa and incompetence.

“He is busy trying to give contracts to his friends, and when we speak he says 'insulting',” said Nawakwi.

And former defence minister George Mpombo described rape threats on Nawakwi by MMD cadres as demeaning to Zambian women and strongly called for the culprits to be dealt with.

In an interview, Mpombo, who is Kafulafuta member of parliament, said the MMD cadres should desist from issuing such uncalled for threats as this undermined the dignity of the womenfolk.

He called on relevant authorities to ensure that the perpetrators were dealt with without favour.

“It is important that party cadres refrain from making such threats and using insulting language. The threats against Edith Nawakwi are not only demeaning our women, but very insulting,” Mpombo said.

“This is a democracy and we should not allow a situation where those holding divergent views to be insulted and harassed.”

Mpombo said such threats had the potential to cause unrest and eat through the moral fibre of society.

Mpombo said the threats should be taken seriously as they lowered the standing of women in society.

Some MMD cadres last week threatened to gang-rape Nawakwi for her critical stance on governance matters.

Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde said threatening violence did not constitute an offence while President Banda last weekend said the cadres who threatened to rape Nawakwi were merely reacting to what he described as insults against him President Banda by Nawakwi.

Labels: EDITH NAWAKWI, GEORGE MPOMBO, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:34 PM