Maravi

PF government will be judged against Rupiah's reign - Andrew

PF government will be judged against Rupiah's reign - Andrew
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Tue 03 July 2012, 13:24 CAT

ANDREW Banda says the performance of the current government will be judged against what his father, Rupiah Banda, did in three years. In an interview, Andrew who is former Zambia's deputy high commissioner to India claimed that his father performed well in his three-year rule.

"So if they (PF government) do not perform, people will compare that 'when Rupiah was there for three years, he was able to build schools, he was able to do this and that. So the performance or the barometer of this government is RB," Andrew said.

"The man (Rupiah) performed, that's a fact and everything is there to see. In that three years the man was there, everything is visible to see. You can see roads, hospitals, schools, mention it and I am not being biased."

Andrew said people were fatigued with MMD. "Twenty years was too long for a party to be in power. Perhaps that's one of the reasons that also led to the loss," Andrew said.

Andrew said the current government should work to ensure that people get jobs and also focus on real issues.

Asked about his relationship with President Sata, Andrew said he does not know.
"I know him (President Sata) he used to be my secretary general when I was in MMD. So he is somebody I know but I cannot claim that I have a good relationship with him because I don't know now. I only met him briefly at the inauguration with my father because I am the only one who escorted my father," he said.

Zambians kicked Banda out of power in last September's general elections even against the backdrop of the former head of state engaging in rapid developmental projects ahead of the elections.

The government recently recalled Andrew from India. He is currently facing a probe over allegations that he solicited two per cent cut from an Italian contractor, Fratelli Locci, and over money believed to be proceeds of crime.

Andrew has denied the charges and is yet to appear in court.

Labels: ANDREW BANDA, PF, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 1:25 PM