Maravi

Milupi quits MP post, forms party

COMMENT - As much as I like Charles Milupi MP and I really do, perhaps the acronym ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a little unfortunate for a new party. Also, it seems to me that a party without cadres doesn't stand much chance. Unless they can put up candidates in as many constituencies as the MMD, they don't stand a chance.

Milupi quits MP post, forms party
By Moses Kuwema and Mwape Chishimba
Sat 15 May 2010, 04:50 CAT

Milupi with supporters after the launch of the party at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday - Picture by Cynthia Phiri

CHARLES Milupi has resigned his position as Luena independent member of parliament to become president of the newly launched Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD).

During the launch of ADD at Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday, Milupi said he had since informed the Speaker of the National Assembly of his decision to resign and would re-contest on ADD ticket.

“The desire to tackle issues affecting the nation is so serious in us here that we can no longer afford to wait,” he said.

Milupi thanked the people of Luena for having shown confidence in him.

“I wish to thank the people of Luena for voting for me on an independent ticket and for their cooperation during my tenure of office. However, it is my intention to re-contest the seat on the Alliance for Development and Democracy ticket during the forthcoming by-election for the sole purpose of completing the current term of parliament and in 2011 we shall stand for higher things that of presidency,” he said.

And Milupi has called for an end to arbitrary spending, saying the building of mansions for former presidents was part of abuse of public resources.

“Consider this; by the time a person decides to stand for presidency of the nation, the chances are that that person already has a house. Why then does Zambia consider that in addition to the generous pension, an ex-president receives, the State must build mansions for those who have held office of the president? What about others - vice-presidents, ministers, the Secretary to the Cabinet? This simply does not make sense. It is part of the abuse of public resources,” he said.

Milupi said the wastage of public resources in Zambia was not only limited to corruption.

“Over the years, there has developed a culture of ‘free for all’ in the use of public resources. Our public service pay policy has moved from the basic pay remuneration system to one based on all manner of allowances, which, of course are not accessible to all but only to those whose positions allow them to create opportunities for such allowances, such as workshops, local tours and overseas travel,” he said.

Milupi said the misuse of resources was also evident in the current practice of sale of personal to holder vehicles sold to the recipients before they reach their asset disposal date and at well below market value.

UNZA lecturer Dr Mathias Mpande is ADD’s interim vice president.

Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, ALLICANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND DEMOCRACY, CHARLES MILUPI

posted by MrK @ 5:55 AM