Maravi

Kunda should be ashamed of himself, says Chongwe

Kunda should be ashamed of himself, says Chongwe
By Ernest Chanda and Roy Habalu
Fri 23 Dec. 2011, 13:58 CAT

DR Rodger Chongwe says George Kunda should be ashamed of himself for questioning Mutembo Nchito's integrity. And Sylvia Masebo says Kunda is scared of being arrested hence his opposing the appointment of Nchito.

Kunda on Tuesday led the opposition assault on the motion to ratify Nchito's appointment as Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) when it came up in Parliament. Despite Kunda and his allies' opposition, Nchito was ratified after they lost by 50 to 86 vote result.

Dr Chongwe questioned Kunda's sudden change of heart after he recommended Mutembo and his elder brother Nchima to join the Task Force on Corruption during the late president Levy Mwanawasa's reign.

"I don't agree with the opinion of the former vice-president. The former vice-president should actually be ashamed of himself. He was responsible for actually appointing the Nchito brothers as prosecutors at the Task Force because of their integrity. And what has changed now? Is it because he is in opposition?" asked Dr Chongwe in an interview yesterday.

"Lawyers should be gentlemen and ladies for all seasons, and not only when it suits them. I disagree with him intensely. I think he Mutembo deserves this job. If one has been appointed Director of Public Prosecutions, I think first it's good for the country and then it's good for the legal profession of Zambia; and it's good for the Zambians themselves. We may have different views but my view is that this is one of the best appointments. I know that he will discharge his duties diligently and honestly as he has done before. I'm very happy that he has been appointed."

Some UPND and MMD members of parliament led by Kunda rejected Nchito's appointment over allegations that he had not been cleared of criminal investigations.

And Masebo said those opposed to Nchito's appointment were trying to protect personal interests.

"Those opposing are worried of what would happen to them because of what they did that's why they are speaking like that. I can say a lot of things in this house (its) just that I am holding myself to protect my colleagues," said Masebo.

In an apparent reference to Kunda, Masebo said Nchito was fearless and stood for the truth unlike Kunda who changed on corruption cases after the death of Levy Mwanawasa.

"You can't compare me to half the group (MMD parliamentarians) on the other side. I don't change goal posts like them," she said.

She said urged members of parliament not to be misled by falsehoods in small newspapers.

"You want us to be swayed by such people (who were convicted), is that fair Mr George Kunda? It's not fair to destroy people's character because you've a personal agenda. It's sad that those who are in Parliament and supported him (Nchito) can be the same people to say what they are saying without shame," said Masebo.

Debating the appointment of Nchito as DPP and Musa Mwenye as Solicitor-General, Kunda said the public had a negative perception on Nchito and that they would lose confidence in him.

"He (Nchito) is perceived negatively because of the various allegations which are in the public domain. Accordingly, I submit that Mr Mutembo Nchito is not suitable for appointment as DPP. The report of the committee should therefore be rejected, meaning that we shall vote NO on this side of the house," said Kunda.

But Masebo said Nchito was the best choice for the position because he sacrificed his life for Zambia when people couldn't open their mouths.

"Mutembo is very experienced and has integrity and served the country free of charge. He's a disciplined and principled young man," she said.

Labels: GEORGE KUNDA, MUTEMBO NCHITO, ROGER CHONGWE

posted by MrK @ 5:18 PM