Rupiah’s statement on corruption not realistic, says Rev Banda

Rupiah’s statement on corruption not realistic, says Rev Banda
By Fridah Nkonde in Ndola
Wed 20 July 2011, 13:59 CAT

A Ndola clergyman says President Rupiah Banda’s statement that there is no corruption in Zambia is like a pastor standing in front of his church saying there is no sin in his congregation. United Church of Zambia Hillcrest congregation’s reverend Mukuzi Banda said in an interview that President Banda’s statement on corruption was not realistic.

“He cannot say that there is no corruption in Zambia because corruption is something we see every day and everyone talks about it. Some people even complain about corrupt leaders in churches,” he said.

And Rev Banda said it was the desire of every Zambian to have peaceful elections this year.

“Peace is what we want to experience before, during, and after the elections and as a clergyman, my humble appeal goes to those standing in political positions not to lose focus on asking God to intervene in our forthcoming elections,” he said.

Rev Banda said peace was usually lost when leaders got greedy and wanted everything to themselves and urged politicians to campaign on issues instead of damaging other people’s character.

“We as a church are asking God to speak to our leaders to conduct peaceful campaigns. It is also dangerous to talk evil of others because this is what brings about uproar. We say we are a peaceful nation but who knows what might happen next if this kind of character assassination continues?” asked Rev Banda.