Rupiah must halt his useless trips - Mpombo

Rupiah must halt his useless trips - Mpombo
By George Chellah and Patson Chilemba
Fri 19 Nov. 2010, 04:01 CAT

GEORGE Mpombo says having President Rupiah Banda in office is the biggest curse to have befallen Zambia. And Mpombo has warned that Zambia would be ransacked if President Banda secured a second term because the President had twisted priorities.

In an interview, Mpombo, who is also Kafulafuta MMD member of parliament, said President Banda had no sense of prudence when it came to the use of state resources.

“Rupiah Banda’s two years’ ‘accidental’ term in office is a vivid manifestation of the presidency made simple. His conduct regarding national issues while in office amounts to ‘shattering irrationality’ which has seriously compromised the country’s international standing,” Mpombo said.

“Regarding foreign travels, it is mind-boggling that the President doesn’t see sense in genuine concerns from Zambians over his travels.

“Rupiah Banda must halt his useless trips. He should apply some breaks on his travels,” he said.

“One wonders what time he is in his office to sort out domestic problems. It’s a very saddening leadership he is providing. He spent the last two months travelling.”

Mpombo said outgoing Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a stopover at South Africa but unlike President Banda, President Jacob Zuma was not jumping around in readiness for a trip to Brazil.

He claimed President Banda was “hoodwinking” Zambians to vote for him, because his character was different from that portrayed. “Arrogance is a very destructive leadership quality. We don’t know whether the President has any conscience or shame. We have not finalised the approval of the budget but he is already travelling,” Mpombo said.

“Zambia will be run down completely if Rupiah Banda secures a second term. This country will be ransacked. Rupiah Banda has twisted priorities. He is the most travelled head of state and people justifying these trips must have something seriously wrong with them.

“The man is squandering money . . . In my view, to have Mr Banda as President is the biggest curse because the man is arrogant,” Mpombo said.

He added that President Banda tried to portray a picture to the people that he was very caring, but claimed he was a political wolf.

“Look at the picture he projects in those awkward and clumsy adverts. You see a Banda who is speaking in a good voice, with emotion, begging for votes from people and deceiving them that the President is responsible for construction of the stadium in Ndola. You know, a very humble Banda. But look at the real Banda, arrogant, sly, deceitful. You know, it is incredible,” he said.