Mchombo, chief Chikanta hail Levy’s corruption fight

Mchombo, chief Chikanta hail Levy’s corruption fight
By Christopher Miti in Chipata and George Zulu in Monze
Mon 23 Aug. 2010, 14:00 CAT

ANGLICAN Diocese of Eastern Zambia Bishop William Mchombo has observed that selfishness, greed and neglect of justice will not develop the nation.

And chief Chikanta of the Tonga people of Kalomo said political leaders in the country should strive to build on the principles late president Levy Mwanawasa stood for to uphold the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

Reflecting on the life of Mwanawasa two years after his demise, Bishop Mchombo said Mwanawasa exhibited a strong dislike for corrupt activities and he wanted to promote the rule of law at the risk of losing popularity and friends.

“As we pray for the Mwanawasa family for comfort and for peace in our nation, it is incumbent upon each one of us, especially those we have entrusted with the governance of our great nation, to put the good of the nation before self. Selfishness and greed and neglect of justice will not develop this nation,” Bishop Mchombo said.

He said Mwanawasa was well versed in matters of law and he did not want to compromise.

“While it is generally accepted that he was not perfect, just as all of us have our own imperfections, we are however all agreed that the late president Mwanawasa provided strong leadership in the crusade against corruption and its offshoot of abuse of office,” said Bishop Mchombo.

“In commemorating president Mwanawasa's second year after his death, the nation should strive to strengthen institutions and statutes that protect the weak in our society against the devastating effects of corruption of any kind.

Democratic institutions that promote good governance should be protected unlike the situation where the powerful seem to have their way. The wheels of justice should be allowed to run their full course on any case to avoid unhealthy speculations in the nation.”

And in an interview last Thursday, chief Chikanta said Mwanawasa would always be a hero not only to Zambia but world over because of the strong foundation he laid for economic development and the fight against corruption.

“We are today Thursday commemorating the second anniversary of the death of our beloved late president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa who died two years ago. There is a lot we should learn especially those in authority our political leaders,” chief Chikanta said.

“They must look at how Mwanawasa managed to uphold the rule of law, how he detested corruption and corrupt elements and how he fought hard to ensure that economic developments were achieved today, it was because of the strong foundation he laid.”

He appealed to political leaders to ensure that the rule of law was upheld by allowing the judiciary to function independently and address critical issues raised in the country’s democratic governance.

“You see, Mwanawasa was a gallant fighter of corruption. He was the kind of person who had few words for corruption and corrupt elements and hated corruption, no wonder that man’s legacy is still talked about today by so many people,” said chief Chikanta.

“Even those who criticised him and did not agree with him today are talking about him. This is a challenge to those in power because they need to look at the issues people are talking about and why they are talking, but if they want to be stubborn by failing to listen to the outcry of the people, then they should expect difficult times in governance.”

And chief Hanjalika of Mazabuka hailed Mwanawasa and his efforts to improve the people’s food basket.

Chief Hanjalika said Mwanawasa should be remembered for supporting small-scale farmers in rural areas and improving the marketing system of inputs.

Mwanawasa died on August 19, 2008 in Paris, France after suffering a stroke during an African Union (AU) summit in Egypt.