Maravi

MMD will be embarrassed for involving Chiluba – Mwila

MMD will be embarrassed for involving Chiluba – Mwila
By Kabanda Chulu and Zumani Katasefa in Kitwe
Sat 08 May 2010, 04:20 CAT

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Chipili member of parliament Davies Mwila yesterday said the MMD will be embarrassed for involving Frederick Chiluba in their campaigns since he failed to deliver tangible developmental projects in Luapula Province during his rule.

And MMD Chembe member of parliament Mwansa Mbulakulima has confirmed that politics will be discussed at the developmental meetings but will not be the main subject matter.

Meanwhile, the PF is sending about 200 youths from Lusaka and the Copperbelt to attend the developmental meeting in Mansa.

Commenting on former President Chiluba’s expected launch of President Rupiah Banda’s 2011 election campaigns disguised as developmental meetings in Luapula Province, Mwila said the MMD was scared to approach the people because they have not done anything.

“Even the strategy of using chiefs will not work since people have made up their minds to see change. So involving Chiluba is the worst thing to do because he never brought any tangible structure in the province and people are very annoyed. At least the late Levy Mwanawasa built a bridge across the Luapula River but what has Chiluba done?” asked Mwila.

“However, we are happy that Chiluba is further denting the image of the MMD and the use of chiefs in the campaign activities is a desperate act of a dying horse because PF is getting everything including those seats held by rebel MPs and Ben Mwila’s Nchelenge.”

But Mbulakulima, who is also coordinating the proposed ‘developmental meetings’, said the PF was jittery over a straight-forward issue.

“We are making in-roads in the province. The PF is jittery and I am surprised at the criticism this meeting has attracted. It is a developmental meeting and various meetings are being held across the country and former President Chiluba’s presence will not dent the image of the party because he is still a factor in Zambian politics,” Mbulakulima said. “This meeting should not be politicised.

Of course, politics will be discussed but it will not be the main issue and it is prudent that we meet as MPs, chiefs, former presidents and other stakeholders to discuss development in the province. It is a pity that some people cannot see that this government is carrying out developmental activities in the country.”
Mbulakulima said that PF had realised that MMD was getting stronger in Luapula Province, hence resorting to making unnecessary comments.

“What the PF should know is that whenever government officials meet, politics and development are discussed and now they are jittery because we shall grab even the two seats (Chipili and Mwansabombwe constituencies) they are clinging on to,” said Mbulakulima.

Meanwhile, PF national youth secretary Eric Chanda yesterday said about 200 youths from Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces who hail from Luapula would be sent to attend the developmental meeting.

“I can confirm that we are sending 200 youths from Lusaka and Copperbelt to attend the developmental meeting. This is a very important meeting which our youths should attend and contribute developmental ideas. There are a lot of issues that we need to raise,” Chanda said.

He said it would be wrong for anyone to perceive the PF youths mission to Luapula as political.
“We are not going there to politic. If Dr Chiluba is going there for politics then we’ll also be going there for politics. But our interest is development. We have a lot of youths in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces who hail from that side (Luapula).

Therefore, it is important for them to go and contribute their developmental ideas. Even Chiluba is going there because that is where he comes from,” Chanda said.
He said Luapula Province was lagging behind in development hence the PF youths should attend and contribute positively.

“Roads are in bad state in Luapula Province. There are so many things which need to be done, so it is important that our youths attended,” he said.

Chanda appealed to the police not to provoke the situation because PF youths were not going there for violence.

Chanda also appealed to the people of Luapula Province not to accept corrupt ideas from selfish leaders who want to be in power through dubious means.

He hoped that the developmental meeting would benefit the people of Luapula positively.

Labels: CHILUBA, DAVIES MWILA, LUAPULA PROVINCE, MMD, PF

posted by MrK @ 4:22 AM