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HH boycotting October 24 celebrations for selfish reasons - Suba

HH boycotting October 24 celebrations for selfish reasons - Suba
By Allan Mulenga
Mon 22 Oct. 2012, 14:40 CAT

IN'UTU Suba says UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema will shun Independence Day celebrations at State for selfish interests.

Commenting on Hichilema's decision to boycott this year's Independence celebrations on Wednesday, Suba, the permanent secretary - special duties at Cabinet Office, said the government expected all patriotic Zambians to take part in the celebrations.

"It is really up to him; he is free to attend and he is free to stay away. If you remember, this is not the first time that he has stayed away from an event like that," she said.

"It is a national event and we expect all patriotic Zambians to participate in the independence celebrations. But I am aware that he has boycotted national events before."

Suba said Independence Day celebrations were not restricted to the ruling party.
"We sent invitations to everybody that matters, including the political parties, their members, as well as their presidents. Being in the opposition doesn't mean that you have to oppose everything that government does.

We have national events, these are not for a specific political party; these are for all Zambians and all Zambians are expected to participate in such events," said Suba.

Briefing the press on Friday at the party secretariat, Hichilema said he would boycott this year's Independence Day celebrations because it was a sheer waste of time.

"Independence celebrations are necessary, but the most important thing is to ensure that we attend to the challenges of the poor in our country ... over 65 per cent of our people living in poverty. That is our priority," he said.

"When people of Kashima in Mufumbwe, Milushi, Lalafuta, Kaminzekenzenke; when the people of Matushi in Mufumbwe have not been paid of their produce in 2011/2012 farming season, how do they feel about Independence? How do they feel to see Hakainde eating T-bone on the Independence Day, cakes, when they have not been paid for their produce?"

Hichilema said he would rather go to Mufumbwe to campaign for MMD candidate Stafford Mulusa than attend the Independence Day Luncheon at State House.
"I would rather be in Mufumbwe to console those who have not been paid for their cotton and maize than having pure comedy at State House on the Independence Day," said Hichilema.

Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, INDEPENDENCE

posted by MrK @ 3:35 PM