Maravi

Lucas Phiri accuses Rupiah of dividing E/Province chiefs

Lucas Phiri accuses Rupiah of dividing E/Province chiefs
By Ernest Chanda
Thu 14 Apr. 2011, 04:00 CAT

EASTERN Province Patriotic Front chairman Lucas Phiri says President Rupiah Banda has divided chiefs in the area because of his divisive leadership. In an interview, Phiri said President Banda had caused tension among traditional leaders in the province because of his poor leadership.

“People in Eastern Province are disappointed with Rupiah Banda. He has made the province worse than late president Levy Mwanawasa left it because he has gone to the extent of dividing chiefs. For example, for us the Chewas, subordinate chiefs have no respect for our paramount chief Gawa Undi because Rupiah Banda has told them to ignore the paramount chief,” Phiri said.

“Equally among the Ngonis, subordinate chiefs have stopped respecting Inkhosi yama khosi, Paramount chief Mpezeni, because of the President’s divide-and-rule leadership.

But let him know that the people here are wise and they know what he is doing.”
Phiri said President Banda would be shocked when he loses in this year’s election because he had overrated his popularity in the province.

He said no matter how many trips President Banda made to the province, the people had decided to move with the wind of change.

“Our fellow citizens complain that we the Easterners delay in making a decision. And this is true because in 1991 when the whole nation moved with the wind, we lagged behind. But this time around, we have decided to join every progressive Zambian and move with the wind of change,” said Phiri.

“He can make as many trips as he wants to this province, but his misfortunes will not turn around. Kaunda, even though he lost the election in 1991, he retained all the 19 seats in the province. But for Rupiah Banda if he is lucky he will just get two seats.”

Labels: CHIEFS, EASTERN PROVINCE, LUCAS PHIRI, MMD, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:16 PM