Rupiah's fate left to the law

Rupiah's fate left to the law
By Roy Habaalu
Tue 06 Mar. 2012, 12:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says he has not commented on the removal of Rupiah Banda's immunity because he wants the law to take its course. During a meeting with Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people, chiefs and traditional affairs minister Inonge Wina and chief Madzimawe at State House yesterday, President Sata said those that had commented on the issue were expressing their views.

"I have never talked about Mr Rupiah Banda's immunity because I want the law to take its course. If you hear paramount chief Mpezeni talking about it whether supporting or not, he's entitled to guide the people and no threats of any nature should stop him. He will be protected," he said.

President Sata said it was the duty of the government to protect the office of chiefs and not an individual.

Chief Mpezeni recently called for the removal of former president Banda's immunity to allow him answer to charges of corruption.

His remarks caused divisions between him, chiefs Nzamane and Madzimawe of Eastern Province that led to his Iphendukeni palace being guarded by police.

But chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people says he's ready to work with the PF government.

Speaking when he was introduced to President Sata by Paramount Chief Mpezeni, chief Madzimawe said as chairman of the House of Chiefs he could not afford not to work with the government of the day.

"Our coming here is simply to indicate to you that as chiefs, we will work with the government of the day. We re-affirm our commitment as traditional leaders. We will support you and ensure delivery of development to the people," said chief Madzimawe.

Earlier, Wina said she was pleased to learn that there was no more tension between chief Mpezeni and some of his chiefs.

"In the past, there has been tension between paramount chief Mpezeni and some of his chiefs orchestrated by perhaps outside paramount Mpezeni but he indicated to me that he's getting on well with junior chiefs. It's good they have reconciled and that he (Madzimawe) has agreed to come and inform the President that peace has been restored in Ngoniland. I am very happy," said Wina.