Maravi

MMD ‘militia leader’ Chibale refuses to apologise to Duffy

MMD ‘militia leader’ Chibale refuses to apologise to Duffy
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Fri 01 Oct. 2010, 04:01 CAT

MMD Copperbelt information secretary Chiko Chibale has said he will never apologize for the threats he issued on Mongu diocese Bishop Paul Duffy’s life. In an interview in Kitwe following wide condemnation of his threats, Chibale said he had no kind words for Bishop Duffy and people like George Mpombo who always insult the ruling MMD and President Rupiah Banda.

Copperbelt police on Wednesday summoned Chibale over his recent statement that he will lead a militia to Western Province to sort out Bishop Paul Duffy. Copperbelt Division Commanding officer Dr Martin Malama told journalists in Chingola that they had called him in.

“In fact, we have called in Chiko and we are investigating the matter quietly and professionally,” said Dr Malama.

But Chibale yesterday said police should pursue those who were busy insulting the President and not him.

He said he had information that the police were looking for his contact numbers after he issued threats on Bishop Duffy’s life Chibale further said it was morally wrong for some clergymen and politicians in the country to embark on a malicious campaign to discredit the President with impunity while ignoring the efforts he was making to develop the country.

“As youths in the party we are ready to die for our beloved President Rupiah Banda and the party MMD. Some people have said I should apologize to Bishop Duffy over the statement I earlier issued that we will travel to Mongu and manhandle him as a crack squad. Unfortunately, I don’t have kind words to replace what I said on that Bishop (Duffy) or anybody who insults the President and the MMD,” Chibale said.

He said Church leaders like Bishop Duffy were expected to show respect to President Banda and his leadership.

Asked whether the crack squad still had intentions to travel to Mongu to go and sort out Bishop Duffy, Chibale said he would not issue any statement over the matter because he had been advised to remain mute by senior members of MMD.

Chibale said some prominent clergymen especially from the Catholic Church who had openly showed their disapproval of President Banda’s government were provoking MMD cadres on the Copperbelt.

He said the culture of insulting the head of state and government needed to be stopped.

Chibale claimed that despite the heavy criticism the MMD was receiving from the church and other organisations, the party was becoming popular on the Copperbelt because of its sound economic policies.

He said under President Banda, the party had become very popular in the province and was confident of scooping more than 10 parliamentary seats.

“…We will make sure that we demolish the pact on the Copperbelt through our intensified campaigns. This alliance between Sata and Hichilema lacks merit and people are able to see that they cannot be entrusted with government power,” said Chibale.

Labels: CADRES, CHIKO CHIBALE, DEATH THREATS, MMD, PAUL DUFFY, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 6:26 AM