Maravi

Sata fires Muchima

Sata fires Muchima
By Masuzyo Chakwe in Lusaka and David Chongo in Ikeleng'i
Tue 25 Dec. 2012, 12:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has with immediate effect revoked the appointment of Elijah Muchima as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

And PF cadres in Ikeleng'i celebrated when they heard that Muchima had been dropped from his ministerial position.
President Sata confirmed the revocation of Muchima's appointment during a swearing-in ceremony at State House yesterday.

Muchima, whose revocation of appointment comes barely two days after PF members in North Western Province petitioned President Sata for his removal on allegations of working against the government, has been replaced by Kabompo East MMD member of parliament Danny Chingimbu.

President Sata, who thanked Muchima for the services rendered to the nation during his tenure of office, wished the MMD Mwinilunga West Ikeleng'i member of parliament God's blessings in his future endeavours.

This is according to a statement issued by President Sata's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.

And President Sata wished Chingimbu success as he embarks on a new journey in his political career and service to the nation.

Meanwhile, President Sata yesterday morning swore in Palan Mulonda as Zambia's Ambassador to the United States of America.

He expressed confidence that Ambassador Mulonda would execute his duties to the satisfaction of the nation.

"The United States (US) is a very key development partner to Zambia. Therefore, we expect you, Mr Mulonda to represent us very well in Washington DC. We wish you well as you embark on your tour of duty," said President Sata.

And earlier yesterday, PF cadres mounted a mini-demonstration with placards calling for Muchima's removal in solidarity with their Solwezi counterparts, who demonstrated on Friday against Muchima.

Meanwhile, Masumba said Muchima's accusation that he had teamed up with Mwinilunga district commissioner Victor Kayekesi against him was immaterial because the complaints were coming from the party.
He said he had tried to protect Muchima against accusations by PF cadres that he was working to frustrate the ruling party's growth in Ikeleng'i.

Masumba said he was the one who persuaded Kayekesi to withdraw an election petition against Muchima for Ikeleng'i.

And Kayekesi equally said he had no reason to fight Muchima.
"…That's why I withdrew my petition against him. But once you go against what your employers want, they have the right to fire you," said Kayekesi.

Muchima on Sunday said Kayekesi and Masumba had an agenda against him and wondered how he could de-campaign the PF and its government when he was working with them.

Labels: ELIJAH MUCHIMA, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 6:37 PM