Tribalism has become Rupiah’s national anthem, says Mpombo

Tribalism has become Rupiah’s national anthem, says Mpombo
By Patson Chilemba
Sun 13 June 2010, 04:40 CAT

GEORGE Mpombo has asked President Rupiah Banda not to appoint one of his tribal impis to act in Katele Kalumba's position because tribalism has become his national anthem. And Mpombo has advised MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga to emulate party national secretary Kalumba by taking a back stage in politics.

Commenting on the decision by Kalumba to take leave from party administrative duties until his corruption case is disposed of by the High Court, Mpombo, who is Kafulafuta MMD member of parliament and former defence minister, said Kalumba’s decision was the most honourable thing to do.

However, he said President Banda should not use tribalism when appointing someone to act as the ruling party's national secretary.

“Mr Banda appointed Mr Chembe Nyangu; obviously this was one way of preparing Nyangu so that Mr Banda could have a firm grip on the affairs of the party. He should not appoint one of his tribal impis to act in Kalumba's position,” Mpombo said. “The reason is because tribalism has become a national anthem. Tribalism has become Mr Banda's national anthem.”

Mpombo said the decision Kalumba had taken was constructive and reasonable.

“For him to disengage from acts of administrative duties, I think that is an example that needs to be applauded. You know as a human being if he had remained in that job it was going to be a source of discomfort to himself and the family,” noted Mpombo. “That is the most honourable thing to do for him, and chaps like Mabenga must get an example. Chaps like Michael Mabenga must emulate the example... When you are in a position of compromise I think the best thing to do is take the step that Katele has done.”

Well-placed MMD sources on Thursday disclosed that Kalumba had gone on leave after he asked President Banda for permission to stay away from administering party affairs.

The sources said Kalumba suggested that deputy national secretary Nyangu should act in his place.
Recently, Kalumba, former finance permanent secretary Stella Chibanda, defunct Access Financial Services Limited (AFSL) directors Faustin Kabwe and Aaron Chungu were handed a five-year jail sentence each for corruption by the Lusaka magistrates court.

The court also jailed former finance ministry chief economist Bede Mphande, former finance director of budget Boniface Nonde and former secretary to the treasury Professor Benjamin Mweene for five years but suspended for 24 months.

However, Kalumba, Chibanda, Chungu and Kabwe were later granted K500 million bail each pending appeal.