Maravi

Subject Barotse Agreement restoration to referendum - Nevers

Subject Barotse Agreement restoration to referendum - Nevers
By Kombe Chimpinde and Abigail Sitenge
Sat 03 Mar. 2012, 11:59 CAT

PASTOR Nevers Mumba has suggested that the question of restoration of Barotse Agreement of 1964 should be subject to a referendum. Pastor Mumba told journalists in Lusaka that the issue of the Barotse Agreement was very sensitive and that it must not be distorted by political connotations or interests.

He said although President Michael Sata might have reasons for expressing reluctance to implement the agreement which he promised the people of Western Province, he must engage them on the merits and de-merits of restoring the said agreement so that they do not feel betrayed.

"The President can engage them at an intellectual level and if he was wrong, he can still make things right. The President in my considered view has only two options in this regard; the first one is to fulfil his promise and restore the agreement because he promised," said Pastor Mumba.

"The President has to address this very difficult situation by sincerely facing the people of Western Province. The people of Western Province are an enlightened people and would appreciate to work with an honest President when he goes back to them," Pastor Mumba said.

"The President has a leeway here, where he can say to the people of Western Province that 'I made that promise when I was opposition leader. I was not privy to some issues in government. Now I have come to discover that there are matters of security that border on the unitary state of our country and I seek your indulgence as a people of Western Province'."

And Pastor Mumba said that the PF would not be able to deliver if MMD does not survive as a strong and formidable voice in the nation.

Pastor Mumba who observed that the PF was allergic to criticism said the party in government would only be challenged to deliver if there was a strong voice in the opposition.

Pastor Mumba said the downgrading of Zambia's economic outlook from stable to negative by Fitch was evidence of the government's failure to consult and heed advice on its national policies and matters.

"I wish to encourage the PF government that it is in your interest that MMD survives as a strong party. The essence of democracy is the ability to allow opposing views, to co-exist in the hope of finding consensus, which becomes the basis for peace in the nation," he said.

Labels: BAROTSELAND AGREEMENT, NEVERS MUMBA

posted by MrK @ 10:30 PM