Rupiah is a thief, says Nalubamba
By Roy Habaalu, Christopher Miti, Kombe Chimpinde and Ernest C
Tue 27 Dec. 2011, 14:00 CAT
RUPIAH Banda is a thief who should be jailed, says Senior Chief Bright Nalubamba. And Angela Cifire says Banda should face the law. Meanwhile, Dr Katele Kalumba has advised Banda to maintain a low profile.
Commenting on revelations that the corruption of Frederick Chiluba's 10-year rule was a joke when compared with the theft of public resources in just three years of Banda's regime, chief Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala said those that had stolen must be jailed in order to deter future presidents from stealing.
"Whether he's my brother, I come from a family that believed that those who stole must be punished for the wrong things they did, I don't see retribution in this. They (Banda and the MMD) were able to earn good money. There is no way they can go scot-free. They stole public funds. It's very, very sad," said chief Nalubamba.
"Immunity and reconciliation should not be the subject. If you are going to allow people to steal at will and then they are going to reconcile with the current leadership, then you must know that you are killing this country because many people will realise that it's not a crime to steal and you will never go into prison for stealing; you won't be prosecuted. And once they know that, then no President that will come into that position will never steal. Everybody will be stealing because they know that there is a precedent left open so they will be stealing at will. We'll be in trouble."
Chief Nalubamba mocked Banda for trying to sell Kamwala Remand Prison land, saying Banda's group of government officials did not want to go to that prison.
"As a matter of fact, did you hear what president Rupiah Banda said? That he would be compelled to build a special prison for Chiluba. How do you do that to a criminal? A special prison for a criminal, how many special prisons are you going to build for these people? Just because they held positions, which they abused, how do you do that? You can't do that!" chief Nalubamba said.
"If you have abused office and you have stolen, you must go in so that others will learn. Otherwise you'll allow those in leadership to steal money at will. Then what will Zambia be 10 years from today?"
Chief Nalubamba said the Patriotic Front (PF) government should set a precedent that would save the country from plunderers.
He said there was need to plant fear in the minds of people that stealing was a criminal offence.
Chief Nalubamba said something must be done against those who had stolen and if facts were there, they must be jailed for it so that future presidents would refrain.
"Otherwise, they will say ‘how can you prosecute or arrest me when you didn't prosecute others?' They will be using these excuses for them not to be prosecuted," he said.
"This country will go to the dogs, I can tell you that. Don't set a precedent that will destroy this country. Set a precedent that will save this country from thieves."
And Cifire, who is former information deputy minister and once one of Banda's allies, said it was embarrassing for Banda to cry out to a chief and as a case study of an incumbent president who loses an election, he should face the law since he was just a cadre now.
Banda had expressed his fears of possible imprisonment to chief Mwanachingwala.
However, the PF government has advised Banda against trying to marshal public sympathy and disclosed that the corruption in his administration was massive.
Home affairs minister Kennedy Sakeni said the corruption of Frederick Chiluba's 10-year-rule was a joke when compared with the theft of public resources in Banda's government.
Several leaders in Banda's regime, himself included, are being investigated for various corruption-related offences.
Cifire said if Banda conducted himself in a befitting manner, the PF government would not harass him.
In reaction to revelations by chief Mwanachingwala that Banda was crying for protection from him, Cifire said the PF would only harass him over the wrong things that he did.
"In any case because you see he has indicated that he is going to be a political cadre, then he has to face the consequences of what cadres face when they do not do what the law states that they should be doing. It's embarrassing that he can reach a situation where he is crying out to a chief and for that matter he is crying out to a chief from Southern Province," she said.
Cifire said after his electoral defeat, Banda declared that he had retired from active politics but it was embarrassing that he was getting back into active politics.
Cifire said Banda should avoid engaging in cadre-like politics but play an advisory role as former head of state.
"A few weeks ago, he (Banda) was called to go to Congo (DR) to assist with the elections there. This is a kind of thing he should be doing now and not to be getting into these everyday cadre relationships where he is going to be parading with the women in the papers. Surely, we need to see better examples of what our leaders have got to do after retiring. The most stressful thing that a Zambian faces is retirement because it spells doom for most Zambians," she said.
Cifire said the Zambian constitution did not allow former presidents to go into destitution and this was the reason why they were given everything that they needed.
"Let him leave the cadre politics to the cadres and let the others carry on. He is out of politics. Let him enjoy his terminal benefits and pension where people can call him and consult and say ‘how can we do this act right'," she said.
"And not to be going up and down; tomorrow you want this and the other day you want something else."
Cifire poured scorn on Banda, saying his political behaviour was embarrassing and lacked consistency.
"After issuing that (retirement) statement, then again he should go back on his work, entice NEC (National Executive Committee) to have him back as president of the party. What we are seeing right now of the many candidates that are trying to stand for MMD presidency means that there are enough people that can carry on with the party," she said.
However, Cifire in April this year praised Banda for his development success and for adding a lot of value to the Zambian economy in the few years he had been in power.
Cifire said at Chipata's St Anne's Cathedral parish that Zambians should massively vote for Banda so that he could complete his development projects in this country.
In subsequent months before elections, Cifire praised Banda and vilified other opposition candidates then.
In September, Cifire resigned from the MMD because she felt unappreciated by the MMD despite having done much for the party.
And Dr Kalumba advised Banda to maintain a low profile.
"If your song is playing and you have been dancing that song when the song is over, you have to leave the stage. If you mean well and have good intentions, it's better to take a low profile. Former presidents are important national assets. Former presidents must use the networks created while in office to help the country. This is what former president Dr Kaunda is doing," he said.
And commenting on the government's announcement last week that since Banda remained MMD president he was considered to be in active politics and his benefits would be suspended, Dr Kalumba agreed with the move.
"The law is very clear about the benefits of a former president. There has been a considerable amount of discretion by presidents in the past, but there's need to ensure that, that law is adhered to. It is the law saying that and it the suspension is not done in bad faith," he said.
"I have myself been very emphatic in calling upon our former Republican president Mr Banda, who I consider to be a parent, to desist from inner pressures from those who want to live in politics of hangers-on; even when your time is up, they want to ensure that you hang on so that they have to live off you. What is important is for you to do the right thing by stepping aside."
Dr Kalumba said it would be wise for Banda to quit active politics and give advice to other leaders.
He said those who benefited from his stay in politics were pushing Banda.
"I think what the government is trying to do is to really encourage him to say ‘look let's look after you like we are looking after the old man KK'. It was sad to see how the old man suffered when he involved himself in active politics. Chiluba suffered the same because of his political involvement," said Dr Kalumba.
"I know that he may have a fear that if he quits politics, he will be troubled by the government. These are fears created by those who want to live off him. And these are 15-minute friendships, which do not stay. So my advice is, without any bad intentions, please heed the call by those who are trying to see you retire with dignity."
Recently, chief government spokesperson Given Lubinda announced the freezing of Banda's benefits because it was in breach of the benefits of former president's Act.
And Dr Kalumba said he did not support Banda as an individual in the 2011 elections but because of his loyalty to the MMD.
Explaining his sudden change from supporting Banda, Dr Kalumba, the former MMD national secretary, said he and Banda did not find common ground on many issues.
He said his support for Banda during the 2008 presidential election was meant to unite the party after the sudden death of Levy Mwanawasa.
"As far as I'm concerned, my loyalty was to my party. As party national secretary then, I made statements in support of the president but that didn't mean things were right. My role was to ensure that against all the resistance, to allow an open process, the only thing I could do was to make sure the race was open," Dr Kalumba said.
"But many of my colleagues were of the view that since president Banda was vice-president of the (MMD) government, they would benefit from the benefits of incumbency that he was enjoying. It is a situation where someone is not necessarily the best candidate, but most members feel that he is right under the circumstance. That is the way politics is. Politics is being able to hear the voices of the members. It was because of the same reason that MMD lost. It could have won, but they did not capitalise on the voices of the members because there was too much over-confidence and arrogance."
Asked if he thought Banda had a preferred successor, Dr Kalumba said it was not clear whom the former president wanted to take over from him.
And Dr Kalumba said it was clear that Banda resented him because he felt that he Kalumba) had no respect for him.
Labels: BRIGHT NALUBAMBA, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CHIEFS, KATELE KALUMBA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Nalubamba urges PF to urgently enact new constitution
By Moses Kuwema
Wed 12 Oct. 2011, 12:00 CAT
SENIOR Chief Bright Nalubamba of Namwala says the Patriotic Front government should treat the issue of coming up with a new constitution as a matter of urgency. In an interview yesterday, chief Nalubamba also urged the government to shorten the process of coming up with a new constitution.
He said it only required a special committee to deal with recommendations people made in the Mung'omba constitution review commission and present them for parliamentary approval.
"We have been pressing for a new constitution for a long time now, as you might be aware, I was one of the commissioners on the Mung'omba commission, we made very good recommendations but at the NCC they brought a lot of people, some of them were irrelevant, they spent a lot of money. So I want the current government to shorten the journey, it has been too long and we would want this constitution to be put in place as a matter of urgency because that is the only way we can respond to people's wishes," chief Nalubamba said.
He said people's wishes were already expressed in the Mung'omba draft constitution.
Chief Nalubamba expressed concern that a lot of taxpayers' money was wasted carelessly on the NCC and there was need for people who were involved to account for it.
"You cannot spend people's money carelessly like that, these are public funds, people must be brought to account for such kind of things. A lot of money was spent so lavishly and the poor people are suffering in the village. I am in total support of the people who want to see justice prevail," chief Nalubamba said.
Labels: BRIGHT NALUBAMBA, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CONSTITUTION, PF
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Heed KK's advice, Chief Nalubamba urges govt
By Roy Habaalu
Fri 16 Sep. 2011, 13:55 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Southern Province says only corrupt leaders can take offence over Dr Kenneth Kaunda's statement on peace.
Commenting on Dr Kenneth Kaunda's appeal to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to let the will and interest of the people prevail without let or hindrance so that Zambia can maintain its historical reputation as an oasis of peace and tranquility, chief Nalubamba said if people were fed up with a particular leadership, it must go.
He said the MMD government should learn from Dr Kaunda's exemplary leadership where he humbly conceded defeat in 1991.
"If people don't want you, you go! Yes, and that's why Dr Kaunda is respected. I support Dr Kaunda and I hope everybody else will follow his wise advice. He even cut short his term of office by three years just to respond to the wishes of the people. Such kind of leadership is exemplary and I hope that these young men can take a leaf from that. He did not only cut short his term, even when he was defeated, he humbly handed over power. He was a very clean man, he didn't want to think power, Kaunda is a model," chief Nalubamba said.
He said stakeholders should take heed of Dr Kaunda's concerns over the corruption of United Print group (UPG), the South African company that was engaged to print ballot papers.
On Thursday, Dr Kaunda, who has been engaged by ECZ to promote peaceful elections, said the commission's silence on the matter threatened the country's peace and stability.
"The revelation that the printing company selected to print ballot papers for next week's elections has been involved in acts of corruption with Electoral Commission of Zambia officers is a grave indictment on the election process that is currently being facilitated by the commission. This, in itself, threatens the peace and stability of our country because it undermines the credibility of our electoral process in the eyes of our people," Dr Kaunda said.
"It breeds justifiable suspicions of possible collusion and electoral malpractices that may lead to the election results not being accepted by both losers and the winners. Already, warnings are being issued of possible election rigging. It is therefore in all our interests that the Electoral Commission of Zambia rises to the challenge and deals with the complications that have been created by the revelations of the character of the company chosen to print our ballot papers to the reasonable satisfaction of all key political players.
Ignoring such a serious problem may prove to be a naïve and costly mistake that our country cannot afford."
Chief Nalubamba said the MMD wanted to cling to power because they were hiding something.
"I hope people will follow his (Dr Kaunda's) advice and whoever loses will lose with dignity and whoever wins will take it humbly as well. We need a peaceful Zambia; we don't want Zambians in pieces because of selfish leaders to destroy the country. We pray for that day, come September 20, Zambians will vote for whom they want to be president of this country and members of parliament. No threat of violence should stop them from doing that. That's my prayer," he said.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, ECZ, KENNETH KAUNDA
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Nalubamba defends Nkomenshya
By Kombe Chimpinde
Wed 07 Sep. 2011, 14:00 CAT
President Rupiah Banda's threat to dethrone chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II is an invitation for more people in Chongwe to vote against him on September 20, according to senior chief Bright Nalubamba.
In an interview, chief Nalubamba of the Ila people in Southern Province, said President Banda's unwarranted threats against chieftainess Nkomeshya had not hurt the people of Chongwe alone but many other traditional leaders in Zambia.
Addressing a rally in Chongwe on Saturday, President Banda accused chieftainess Nkomeshya of intimidating sub-chiefs and village headmen, and threatened to retire her if he wins the September 20 presidential election.
"That threat alone may cost him votes (in Chongwe) because many people would rather vote to protect her. There will definitely be a protest vote to defend their chief," chief Nalubamba said, adding that President Banda had hurt more people than he thought.
Chief Nalubamba said President Banda's misdirected threats were an expression of his disregard for the entire traditional leadership.
"His attack on the chieftainess indicates the beginning of the destruction of traditional leadership in the country," he said.
"It sets a bad precedence for future leaders and that is a big challenge for us. It's a threat to shut us up so that we don't raise concerns against the party in power. To me that is not the way to run or govern a country, where you feel that because you are in power, you do not want to listen to any voice with divergent views."
Chief Nalubamba backed chieftainess Nkomeshya for remaining firm in advocating development in her area, which government had shunned.
Labels: BRIGHT NALUBAMBA, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CHIEFTIANESS NKOMESHYA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Nalubamba calls on Kayukwa to resign
By Moses Kuwema
Tue 23 Aug. 2011, 17:40 CAT
ACC director general Lt Col Godfrey Kayukwa is irresponsible and a danger to the country, says senior chief Bright Nalubamba. Commenting on the continued corruption revelations surrounding Universal Print Group (UPG), a South African company engaged to print ballot papers for this year's elections, chief Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district said Lt Col Kayukwa had proved that he was not impartial in his work and should therefore leave the system.
"The director general at ACC is totally irresponsible and a danger to the country. If he is not going to be impartial in his work, then what he can do is get out of the system. If he is a man of dignity, let him resign instead of being forced out," chief Nalubamba said.
"How can he be changing statements from one to another. He is confusing us and is totally irresponsible and a danger to the country, he must go."
Chief Nalubamba said there was need for the ACC to carry out thorough investigations on UPG in order to restore the people's confidence in the electoral system.
"What is impossible for the ACC? It's now extremely urgent for them to do something before it is too late otherwise the loss of confidence by the people can amount to chaos eventually or ultimately.
Why should they delay in investigating? What are they hiding? If Given Lubinda has raised those important details, then it means people's expectations are now high, we expect the ACC to do the investigations to prove Lubinda wrong or right," chief Nalubamba said.
He said the ACC had no choice but to convince Zambians that there was nothing in Lubinda's allegations and if there was something then they should inform the Electoral Commission of Zambia to drop the printing contract with UPG.
"The ACC right now has no confidence of the Zambians. I think if they are working for Zambians they have no choice but just to do that otherwise we won't be convinced that that contract was done properly," he said. "There is even talk of money being paid through an account at Stanbic Bank Zambia.
Do they mean there is no truth at all in the whole system? As Zambians we are not convinced that things are running well. We fear elections might be rigged and time is running out. What is the problem? Why is the ACC refusing to listen to the voice of the people?"
Labels: ACC, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CORRUPTION, GODFREY KAYUKWA
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Nalubamba calls on Kayukwa to resign
By Moses Kuwema
Tue 23 Aug. 2011, 17:40 CAT
ACC director general Lt Col Godfrey Kayukwa is irresponsible and a danger to the country, says senior chief Bright Nalubamba. Commenting on the continued corruption revelations surrounding Universal Print Group (UPG), a South African company engaged to print ballot papers for this year's elections, chief Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district said Lt Col Kayukwa had proved that he was not impartial in his work and should therefore leave the system.
“The director general at ACC is totally irresponsible and a danger to the country. If he is not going to be impartial in his work, then what he can do is get out of the system. If he is a man of dignity, let him resign instead of being forced out,” chief Nalubamba said.
“How can he be changing statements from one to another. He is confusing us and is totally irresponsible and a danger to the country, he must go.”
Chief Nalubamba said there was need for the ACC to carry out thorough investigations on UPG in order to restore the people’s confidence in the electoral system.
“What is impossible for the ACC? It’s now extremely urgent for them to do something before it is too late otherwise the loss of confidence by the people can amount to chaos eventually or ultimately. Why should they delay in investigating? What are they hiding? If Given Lubinda has raised those important details, then it means people's expectations are now high, we expect the ACC to do the investigations to prove Lubinda wrong or right,” chief Nalubamba said.
He said the ACC had no choice but to convince Zambians that there was nothing in Lubinda's allegations and if there was something then they should inform the Electoral Commission of Zambia to drop the printing contract with UPG.
“The ACC right now has no confidence of the Zambians. I think if they are working for Zambians they have no choice but just to do that otherwise we won't be convinced that that contract was done properly,” he said.
“There is even talk of money being paid through an account at Stanbic Bank Zambia. Do they mean there is no truth at all in the whole system? As Zambians we are not convinced that things are running well. We fear elections might be rigged and time is running out. What is the problem? Why is the ACC refusing to listen to the voice of the people?”
Labels: ACC, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, ECZ, GODFREY KAYUKWA, VOTERIGGING
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Nalubamba backs Nkomeshya
By Moses Kuwema
Wed 15 June 2011, 06:20 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba says chieftainess Nkomeshya’s concerns on development are a reflection of what is happening countrywide. Commenting on remarks by chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II of the Soli people that most of the developmental projects in her area had been turned into white elephants, chief Nalubamba said he was in full support of the Soli chief’s statement because that was the case countrywide.
“What she is saying reflects our concern and what is happening countrywide because these people when they bring the so-called development they don’t consult the people to find out their needs.
You cannot talk about bringing in schools without desks, where do the pupils sit? The problem is that these people when they are elected, they think they are wiser than everybody else,” chief Nalubamba said.
He wondered how areas like his chiefdom which were far from Lusaka could progress if a place like Chongwe which was near the central government could complain about lack of development.
“There is need to improve consultations because if people are not consulted, you end up bringing things which people have not asked for the community should participate,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba said the linkage between the government and the people at the grassroots was currently missing in the country.
He said the current situation was such that people were being given whatever the government thought of even when they were not among the priorities.
“There is a lot the government can do by shifting from the current scenario where everything was centralised to decentralisation because at the moment the community's participation is very negative because people are only given what leaders think of and this should not be the case because I would like to believe that our democracy is a participatory one.
It is not enough to address rallies and tell people what you intend to do, you need to engage them in discussions,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba also said there was need for leaders to change their mentality of being partisan all the time and consider every citizen as their child but that it was unfortunate that people in government did not understand things that way.
And chief Nalubamba has described the meeting that was held recently in his chiefdom with opposition political party leaders from the Patriotic Front and UPND as fruitful because it gave people an opportunity to air their views, which the two parties should look into in the event that they came into power.
Labels: BRIGHT NALUBAMBA, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CHIEFTIANESS NKOMESHYA
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Demand 50% + 1 vote before elections - chief Nalubamba
By George Zulu
Mon 14 Feb. 2011, 04:01 CAT
ZAMBIANS must stand up and demand a new constitution with the 50 per cent plus one threshold before this year’s elections, says Senior chief Bright Nalubamba. In an interview, chief Nalubamba said the rigging of elections started with a bad constitution, which only favoured those in leadership. Chief Nalubamba said Zambians should pressure the government leaders for a people driven constitution.
“It is cardinal in the democratisation of any country to have a constitution which is people-driven especially which averts electoral problems, and Zambians must demand for that now or never again,” chief Nalubamba said.
He said the events in Egypt were not driven by dreams but a real demand for a serious change of government.
“There is a lesson we can learn from the events in North African countries. People in Egypt are united, spoke with one voice and their demand is well tabulated and known; and that is what made their president resign. He Hosni Mubarak had to heed the call, they were not violent at all,” he said.
“What can stop Zambians from demanding for a new constitution which will address issues of good governance by enhancing the electoral process of Zambia to avoid electoral conflicts?”
He said people should be united and speak with one voice if they wanted their needs to be met.
“This fight should not only be for people in urban areas; even those in rural areas must take part for that meaningful change they desire. They should have their voice heard, they need to be seen to be participating in issue of governance rather than to be regarded as a dumping site,” said chief Nalubamba.
Labels: 50 PERCENT PLUS 1, CHIEF NALUBAMBA
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Nalubamba opposes Kalale’s return to ECZ
By Moses Kuwema
Sat 05 Feb. 2011, 04:01 CAT
IT is ridiculous for leaders in government to regard people in opposition political parties as enemies, says Senior chief Bright Nalubamba.
Commenting on the attacks on works and supply deputy minister Lameck Mangani for meeting PF member Judith Kapijimpanga, chief Nalubamba questioned the kind of multi-party democracy the MMD embraced in 1991 when it could not allow people with different views to meet.
“For someone to talk to a person from the opposition then they commit a crime. Mangani can still be close to the MMD but he must have the right to talk to people with different views,” chief Nalubamba said.
He said the political set-up in Zambia required people who were elected or nominated to Parliament to be representatives of everybody regardless of their political affiliation.
“Constituencies have people from the opposition who are free to make contributions to issues of national development. Now should these people be shunned? It’s ridiculous for a leader to only address party cadres from his party. People need to talk to you when you are their leader,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba said it was totally wrong for the MMD to consider Mangani their enemy on the basis of his meeting Kapijimpanga.
“Mangani is my friend too. Now should our friendship be determined by what I am to the MMD? He has a choice to be with everyone, whether they are from PF or not because that is the only way you can win the support of the people. I am totally in support of Mangani on what he is doing, friendship should not be stopped because of political affiliation,” he said.
And chief Nalubamba backed calls for former Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) director Dan Kalale not to return to the institution.
He said allowing Kalale to return to ECZ would only result in the stakeholders and voters losing their confidence in the electoral institution.
“If I were him Kalale I would respect the views of the stakeholders and stay away from the ECZ just like justice Florence Mumba did,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba said there was need for the ECZ to be audited so that the public could know how taxpayers’ money was being spent.
“How can an important institution like ECZ be ran without auditing? There must be something wrong they are trying to hide. I don’t care who does it but the auditing has to be done,” said chief Nalubamba.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, DAN KALALE, ECZ
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Traditional leaders not representing their subjects - Nalubamba
By George Zulu and Moses Kuwema
Mon 10 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of Namwala says people in rural areas should put pressure on their traditional leaders to ensure that they speak on behalf of the poor. In an interview, chief Nalubamba said it was disappointing that some traditional leaders were not representing their subjects but their personal egos.
“There is too much poverty in this nation especially in rural areas. It is painful to see some chiefs defend wrong things instead of helping the voices of their subjects,” chief Nalubamba said on Friday.
He said it would be foolish for traditional leaders to ignore the country’s high levels of poverty as they commented on various issues of national interest.
“I am not against chiefs speaking on various issues of governance because it is their right to do so. However, it will be foolish for a chief to ignore the fact that poverty is rife on the ground. It will be foolish of a chief to choose to ignore the fact that his subjects are living in abject poverty,” chief Nalubamba said.
He observed that the growing trend by some traditional leaders of supporting certain ideologies with a view to gaining some support from the corridors of power was total deceit to their subjects.
“Subjects have an opportunity to know the stance of their chiefs on various issues but it is not true that whatever a chief says is gospel truth. People are now poorer and they are not the same as they were two years ago. You cannot ignore that. You will be foolish to ignore people’s concerns about poverty, their health, bad and dilapidated infrastructure,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba said the tendency by traditional leaders not to properly represent their people was a source of concern.
“Our subjects enjoy the same rights such as those in urban areas. They participate in the electoral process of the country and in most cases they vote more than those in urban areas but the kind of development is not satisfying,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba cited the Monze-Niko road and other infrastructure in the country which remained dilapidated.
And chief Nalubamba said former president Frederick Chiluba was portraying typical behaviour of a criminal.
Commenting on Chiluba's recent statement that he held no grudge against the Levy Mwanawasa family despite what he went through during the time he faced corruption charges, chief Nalubamba advised Chiluba to stop insulting Zambians.
"That is how criminals behave. My advice to him is that let him not insult us," said chief Nalubamba.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CHIEFS
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Rupiah’s performance has been below par - Nalubamba
By Moses Kuwema
Sat 01 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda's performance in office this year has been below par, says senior chief Bright Nalubamba. In an interview, chief Nalubamba said President Banda had not done what late president Levy Mwanawasa wanted to do for the country in terms of fighting corruption.
“The legacy has been lost in terms of fighting corruption. It does not matter what development you put. If you can't fight corruption then it’s nothing," chief Nalubamba said. He said sustainability of the fight against corruption was important.
“How does the President find life comfortable with known crooks? He does not expect these people to advise and correct him accordingly because service is not of paramount to them. They are more concerned about their survival and stomachs,” he said.
“Of all these issues, I find it difficult to rate the President's performance any better. You can put up new schools and hospitals but you will be surprised that there are no drugs and desks because that is what the corrupt have taken.”
He wondered how a man like former president Frederick Chiluba could be considered a great leader going by President Banda’s praises of him.
“The President should know that this man is not a plus but a minus to him. What information does he tell the President? These are some of the worries we villagers have. We are concerned. If I were him President Banda I would avoid Chiluba's company for fear of what people will think of me," chief Nalubamba said.
He reminded President Banda that Zambians were closely watching his actions. He said President Banda's continued association with Chiluba would impact negatively on the MMD in next year's general elections.
Chief Nalubamba said unless something serious was done to eradicate corruption, it would be difficult for Zambia to develop meaningfully.
“We don't know what advice we can give to these people because some of us have earned bad names for advising. But we will be tireless because our criticism is not meant to put away their plans but to put in place strong governance systems to fight corruption," he said.
And chief Nalubamba said the My Home Town initiative was a programme aimed at fighting corruption, poverty and ignorance.
He said the idea goes beyond boundaries of Choma and Petauke because it was meant to make life easier for all.
"We are determined to change the global village for the betterment of the world, that's why people were being rewarded for motivational purposes. In fact we expect other public servants world over to do the same, let's give credit where it is due," said chief Nalubamba.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Change is inevitable - chief Nalubamba
By George Zulu and Chibaula Silwamba
Sun 21 Nov. 2010, 04:01 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba yesterday declared that change of government is inevitable with or without the 50 per cent plus one vote threshold for the winning presidential canditate being en-shrined in the Constitution.
Commenting on the government’s exclusion of the referendum, which would have enabled Zambians to enshrine the 50 per cent plus one vote requirement for a winning presidential candidate ahead of next year’s elections, chief Nalubamba said the 50 per cent plus one vote requirement was very important as it would not allow a minority presidential candidate to run the country.
He said it was worrying that the MMD government had gone against the will of the people by ensuring that the 50 per cent plus one presidential threshold is not included in the laws that will govern polls next year.
Chief Nalubamba said Vice-President George Kunda’s position not to urgently consider the 50 per cent plus one threshold was a direct insult to people’s intelligence.
“He thinks we are kids! How many years has it taken to have the constitution? How many years has it taken the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) to come up with the draft? How much money has been spent on the exercise and today Vice-President Kunda is telling us about cost implications when in fact they collected huge sums of money during the NCC sittings,” chief Nalubamba said.
He said the failure to hold elections next year under the new electoral laws that would embrace the 50 per cent plus one threshold would be a source of conflict because people were not ready to be ruled by a minority President and government.
And Northern Province Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) co-ordinator Kelly Kashiwa called for the separations of Kunda’s holding of two portfolios in Cabinet, Vice-President and justice minister, because that was disadvantaging the country.
“These two positions are very crucial to the running of the country and it is important that President Banda appoints a Minister of Justice. Surely one office suffers as a result of pressure from the other office,” he said.
Kashiwa said Zambians had learnt a lot of lessons from Vice-President Kunda’s holding of two positions in government for a long time.
“Today we do not know which office we the citizens can make Hon Kunda accountable for as a result of holding two offices,” said Kashiwa.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, GEORGE KUNDA, KELLY KASHIWA
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Chief Nalubamba calls for strengthened traditional structures
By Moses Kuwema
Sun 12 Sep. 2010, 04:00 CAT
ZAMBIANS can make governance and development a lot easier and cheaper by strengthening traditional structures below the district level, senior chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district has observed.
In an interview, chief Nalubamba said it was for this reason that people in his chiefdom believed that any developing country and its people could benefit a lot by properly and effectively utilising traditional leaders in governance and development.
“Zambia’s progress and development needs a strong chiefdom and a strong village. And these solid foundations are ones Mbeza is trying to build for a better and strong Zambia,” chief Nalubamba said.
He said Mbeza had a development and administrative strategy which strives or tries to drive communities from dependence to self-reliance.
“This programme or this governance and development struggle is backed by Mbeza’s capacity to make and develop annual operational plans out of their five-year strategic development plan. And, this is the programme our colleagues from Malawi came to see. They were very excited from what they saw and heard. We invite the government to show greater interest as government is one of the prominent stakeholders in this development initiative as our key role is merely to supplement the government efforts,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba said the visit by chiefs from Malawi during the launch of Mbeza programme was an excellent exchange of ideas.
“It gave us the inspiration and motivation we require to continue with the struggle; and we think our Malawian counterparts went back within our indelible impression. It was not expected, but it was historical again, we thank Women for Change in Zambia and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace of Malawi for sending a delegation of eight distinguished traditional leaders from Malawi to Mbeza chiefdom for idea sharing,” said chief Nalubamba.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, DEVELOPMENT
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Rupiah’s governance is a reflection of a falling govt – Nalubamba
By George Zulu in Monze
Mon 17 May 2010, 03:50 CAT
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda’s way of governance is a true reflection of a falling government, senior chief Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala has charged.
Commenting on Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s observations that President Banda must tribally balance his Cabinet because Ngonis were not represented, chief Nalubamba said the statement should be a source of concern for all especially leaders in the MMD.
“They should feel concerned about the statement from Paramount Chief Mpezeni; these things are not said for nothing. They are said to put pressure on the party in government to provide effective leadership on various issues that concern the people.
These things are said for them to change the way they run the affairs of the nation,” chief Nalubamba said. “You cannot simply just brush it off just like that. Then your leadership must be very bad.”
Chief Nalubamba said he entirely agreed with Mpezeni’s observations that the people close to President Banda were busy misleading him.
“This is why the President cannot actually listen to good advice from people. He thinks that once you advise him you belittle his status as head of state. This only tells me that those close to him are actually misleading him not only on this issue but on many other serious issues,” he said.
He said it was not just a question of balancing tribes in Cabinet but putting leaders, who could provide service in an effective, non-corrupt and selfless manner.
“Zambians must learn that if we put proper governance, good governance in this country, it does not matter which tribe is in the office as minister. As long as he is managing to provide services in an effective, fair and without discrimination of any political inclination, race, tribe, opinion and religion,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba advised President Banda to change his attitude in responding to concerns the people of Zambia had raised about his poor and ineffective system of governance.
“Let him try to listen to people, let him try to go and find out what the problem is. He should take that advice very seriously and see what he can do, because if such statements are coming from a place where you say you have a stronghold then you must know that something is wrong, something needs to be corrected. Otherwise the same people who claim to be loyal to you will laugh at you one day,” said chief Nalubamba. “Let President Banda give us ministers who can govern the country properly, who can provide service effectively, efficiently so that
Paramount chief Mpezeni may not think about Ngonis if the services are properly delivered. What makes him think about Ngonis now is because services are not delivered in an effective manner and that makes him think that probably it is happening because there is no Ngoni in Cabinet.”
Mpezeni last week urged President Banda to tribally balance his Cabinet, as it had no Ngonis. However, President Banda said it was not possible for him to appoint a Cabinet of 73 people in order to have all the tribes in Zambia represented.
Labels: CHIEF MPEZENI, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Govt’s intention to reinstate Carlington maize scandal is a warning to Chiluba – Nalubamba
By Patson Chilemba
Sun 04 Apr. 2010, 04:01 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba yesterday observed that the government's intention to pursue the Carlington maize scandal is a clear warning to Frederick Chiluba that his cases will be restored if he stops parroting for President Rupiah Banda.
Commenting on home affairs minister Lameck Mangani's announcement that the Attorney General would advise the government on how to proceed with the Carlington maize scandal in which opposition FDD president Edith Nawakwi was implicated, chief Nalubamba said there was no moral value in the statement from Mangani.
“I don't know whether that has got moral value. You see you do one thing when someone is in your favour, and want to do something when he is not in our favour. What is that morally? What does it show to the country itself? That people are made free when they are in your favour?” chief Nalubamba asked.
“It also explains the fact that this is why criminals, corrupt people are now left free to run the state of affairs. People who have stolen people's money, public money are now free to run the affairs of the country, it must tell them that even those who are now free because of the support they are showing to the government, may not be free tomorrow.”
Chief Nalubamba said the same fate, which Nawakwi might meet would pounce on those who thought they were currently free.
“If that is what happened to Nawakwi, why can't it happen to Chiluba? Yes, I think that is clear expression of that kind of process, if he understands it the way I do, it must be a clear warning to him. Either he will die all his life supporting them, even when he knows he can differ with them,” chief Nalubamba said.
“I mean on what ground, if it was morally weak did they withdraw the Carlington case? Is this how we are going to have good governance promoted? I want good governance to support what is right.”
Chief Nalubamba said this explained why Chiluba recently said he was an ambassador of heaven and could not be judged by the laws of this land.
Chief Nalubamba said should the case be reinstated, Nawakwi should explain Chiluba's involvement in the matter.
Recently, during a press briefing, Mangani announced that the Attorney General would advise the government on how to proceed with the Carlington maize scandal in which Nawakwi was implicated.
Labels: CARLINGTON MAIZE DEAL, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, EDITH NAWAKWI, LAMECK MANGANI
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Nalubamba ready for red card
By Patson Chilemba
Thu 25 Mar. 2010, 08:20 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district yesterday said he will not be left out from participating in the red card campaign. In an interview, chief Nalubamba said as a way of information delivery to the government, he would not be left out of the red card campaign.
“When people want change and they deliver the message, surely is it criminal or disloyal to the government if you join that campaign to help the government change its ways and means?” chief Nalubamba asked.
“Is it being disloyal? You are not being disloyal. The person who is disloyal here is someone who is a bootlicker, one who is an appeaser of the government even when they are wrong."
Chief Nalubamba said men and women of value would be frank with the government when they saw that things were not going well.
"Those who are not men and women of value, they will appease you because maybe they have got something to gain out of it. What is better, to gain the peace of the country or the money that you are given? If I were them, I would fight for peace and good governance," he said.
Chief Nalubamba said if Zambians fought former president Frederick Chiluba's third term bid, they should do the same with the read campaign. “When we fought the third term issue, we were together with people. I mean we have said enough and we were thinking that government will listen, but it doesn't seem to be listening," he said.
Chief Nalubamba said those in government should do what the people who elected them to office wanted them to do. He said President Rupiah Banda's government was in a position to make corrections on most issues people had expressed their disgust.
He said Zambia was a democracy and people should be allowed to express their views on any issue.
Chief Nalubamba said the red card campaignwas one way for people to express their views to show displeasure on how they were being governed. He advised those in government to learn to listen to people's wishes because they were there to serve the people.
On the instructions to police by home affairs minister Lameck Mangani to arrest those who will demonstrate in favour of the red card campaign, chief Nalubamba said those in government had gone too far.
Chief Nalubamba said arrests would only produce more Nelson Mandelas and Mahatma Gandhis.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, RED CARD CAMPAIGN
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‘This govt’s only darling is appeasement’
By The Post
Fri 26 Feb. 2010, 08:00 CAT
THERE is a clear division among the chiefs in the Southern Province of our country. There are those like Mwanachingwala whose only discernable political preoccupation is to attack, denounce and discourage whatever the opposition is doing.
Mwanachingwala, and other chiefs like him who support, defend and promote the interests of Rupiah Banda and his friends in government are enjoying a lot of ‘positive’ coverage in the state-owned and government-controlled media.
Then there are chiefs like Bright Nalubamba who attempt to question or criticise decisions and actions of those in government.
These relatively don’t receive much coverage in the state-owned and government-controlled media. When they are covered, it is often in a ‘negative’ manner.
And it would seem anyone who criticises the opposition or opponents of those in power and supports Rupiah and his friends are guaranteed extensive and favourable coverage in the state-owned and government-controlled media.
We have all sorts of nonentities, low-level MMD cadres enjoying extensive media coverage whenever they are called upon to support Rupiah and his friends or to denounce his political opponents.
Despite representing more than four million Zambians, the Catholic Church and its leadership does not enjoy the coverage some petty pastors are accorded by the state-owned media. It is not difficult to understand why this is so.
This is simply because the Catholic Church and its leadership fearlessly question those in government on their decisions and actions that affect the poor.
This is a church whose leadership sees the joys and hopes, the sorrows and anxieties of the women and men of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted in any way, as its joys and hopes, sorrows and anxieties.
It is very clear that to agree with everything Rupiah and his friends say or do is divine, but to disagree or question what they are saying or doing is a crime.
And those who try to criticise or to question what they are doing are intimidated in all sorts of ways. Everyone must belong to them, must support what they are saying or doing or risk being condemned.
They see everyone who questions or criticises what they say or do as an enemy. In their evil minds all citizens must think and act the same way.
Political pluralism and a multi-party dispensation to them means nothing; it is something that must be crushed because it breeds enemies for them.
And this is much more so for Rupiah whose party, UNIP, was opposed to political pluralism and the promotion of divergent views.
It seems to them the vanguard mentality is still very strong in their political outlook and practices.
This is why a person like William Banda, Rupiah’s vigilante can publicly threaten to kill anybody he believes is insulting the late Levy Mwanawasa.
This is a democracy and people have the right to hold their own views on Levy. And moreover William is lying because his friends in Rupiah’s MMD have been insulting Levy in so many ways; they have alleged that he was a liar and a vindictive person in regard to their corruption cases.
Chiefs are not there to protect government from critics. They are meant to protect people from government, and not government from people. If criticism is valid, it must be made.
We say this because democracies make several assumptions about human nature. One is that, given the chance, people are generally capable of governing themselves in a manner that is fair and free.
Another is that any society comprises a great diversity of interests and individuals who deserve to have their voices heard and their views respected.
As a result, one thing is true of all healthy democracies: they are noisy.
And the voices of democracy are not only of those in power, their cadres and supporters. The voices of democracy include those of the government, its political supporters and opposition, of course.
But they are joined by the voices of traditional rulers and their indunas, the labour movement, non-governmental organisations, organised interest groups, community associations, religious leaders, business people and their chambers, writers, scholars, the media and other critics of all shades and stripes.
All these individuals and groups should be free to raise their voices and participate in the democratic political process of their country in the way they deem fit and within the constitutional setup.
In this way, democratic politics will act as a filter through which the vocal demands of a diverse populace will pass on the way to becoming public policy.
As former United States president Jimmy Carter once observed, “The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself – always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by diversity.”
This is why democracy is a system founded on the deeply held belief that government is best when its potential for abuse is curbed, and when it is held as close to the people as possible.
This is why the exercise of power must be the constant practice of self-limitation and modesty. You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.
The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people. We say this because hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything.
A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of credit. This business of seeking and expecting praise and all sorts of exaltations from everyone when all one does is evil won’t do.
It’s not possible for people to respect and praise politicians who every day wrong them, abuse them, steal from them and perpetrate all sorts of injustices against them.
That’s why today those who go on television praising Rupiah and his friends and denouncing their political opponents are only mercenaries who they have hired or have hired themselves out for monetary and other gains.
There can be no doubt, of course, that criticism is good for people and institutions that are part of public life.
And criticism of public servants, of representatives of the people, of those running the affairs of government should never be turned into a crime.
No institution – judiciary, legislature, the presidency, whatever – should expect to be free from the scrutiny, from the criticism of those who pay taxes to keep it going, of those who give it their loyalty and support, not to mention those who don’t.
This is why we have repeatedly stated that acceptance of criticism implies the highest respect for the human ideal, and that its denial suggests a conscious or unconscious lack of humanity on our part.
There is no reason for us to be stuck in this culture of zealous worship of political leaders, a culture which would look primitive even in the eyes of our ancestors who never hesitated to criticise their chiefs.
History tells us that the greatest epochs in mankind’s weary journey are characterised, not by subjugation of the critic but of his tolerance.
What is distinctly lacking among our politicians, especially those in government, and their supporters is a culture of respect, tolerance and humility which places the humanity of others before self and accepts that all citizens have a right to participate in the shaping of their destiny directly without fear of reprisal.
Tolerance and respect for our fellow citizens allows our critics to express their opinion about our views and actions without inhibition, whether these seem to be palatable or not.
At the same time, we expect the same treatment or privilege when our turn comes. This is not something we achieve instinctively.
Rather, we develop it consciously and respectfully. For, our very instincts would drive us to throttling our opponents in argument, or, better still, smack them with a deadly blow.
Clearly, all this fear about criticism is caused by one thing: fear of being undermined politically and otherwise by honest criticism.
Honest politicians have no reason to fear criticism because the truth is on their side, and the basic masses of our people are on their side. Conscientious practice of criticism and self-criticism is the hallmark that distinguishes honest politicians from dishonest ones.
As we say, dust will accumulate if a room is not cleaned regularly, our faces will get dirty if they are not washed regularly. Our leaders’ minds may also collect dust, and also need sweeping and washing.
The proverb “Running water is never stale and a door-hinge is never worm-eaten” means that constant motion prevents the inroads of germs and other organisms.
To check up regularly on our work and in the process develop a democratic style of work, to fear neither criticism nor self-criticism, and to apply such good maxims as “Say all you know and say it without reserve”, “Blame not the speaker but be warned by his words” and “Correct mistakes if you have omitted them and guard against them if you have not” – this is the only way to prevent all kinds of political dust and germs from contaminating the minds of our leaders and the operations of our government.
The advice being given by senior chief Nalubamba should not be allowed to fall on deaf ears. Truly, Nalubamba is right when he says, “The failure by government to listen to criticism will render them useless grey politicians. This government’s only darling is appeasement; what a way to run a state!”
Labels: CHIEF MWANACHINGWALA, CHIEF NALUBAMBA, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS
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Leaders’ failure to listen will render them useless politicians – Nalubamba
By Moses Kuwema
Fri 26 Feb. 2010, 06:50 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district has said failure by government leaders to listen to criticism would render them useless grey politicians.
Reacting to Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe's statement that he was pushing the government too far with his continued attacks on President Rupiah Banda and government, chief Nalubamba wondered why the government always took offence at criticism.
“If Munkombwe was elected or nominated to victimise and endanger his critics and not to govern the state, I am available to be his victim,” chief Nalubamba said.
“This government's only darling is appeasement. What a way to run a state! In 2008 when we went out of our way to support the candidature of Rupiah Banda, nobody threatened our lives then and when 15 chiefs went out of their way to denounce the PF-UPND Pact, they became credible candidates for brown envelopes.
“Is this the multi-party democracy Zambians fought so hard for, where it is criminal and dangerous to support the opposition that is supposed to be a government in waiting in a better run constitutional multi-party democratic dispensation?” Chief Nalubamba wondered.
Chief Nalubamba vowed that he was ready to put his life in danger in order to defend the poor and the truth.
“When governance is poor and corrupt, I and the poor suffer more than the bad and corrupt governance. My criticism is a monumental effort to persuade the Bandas President Banda and Munkombwe to do the right things during their terms as governors of this country so that as they went in their glory they can come out like Mandela, Kaunda and Nyerere,” he said.
Chief Nalubamba wondered what danger Munkobwe saw in criticism of any government.
“Are they planning to kill me because of my divergent views? God forgive them for they don't know that in criticism, rather than appeasement, lies fundamental aspects for good governance and development,” said chief Nalubamba.
“Appeasement is a liability or folly that ultimately makes your friend a greatest enemy soon, Rupiah Banda and Munkombwe will know who their greatest enemy is, the appeaser of open critic.”
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, GOVERNANCE, POLITICS
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Be honest with each other, Nalubamba tells Sata, HH
By Patson Chilemba
Sat 05 Dec. 2009, 04:01 CAT
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Namwala district has asked Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema to be honest to each other over the handling of the UPND-PF pact.
And Sata said chief Nalubamba has taken it upon himself to go round and talk to the other chiefs in order to remove the notion that chiefs should only support the government of the day.
Well-placed sources who attended the closed-door meeting, which was convened by chief Nalubamba, chief Hanjalika of Mazabuka district and chief Chimbuka and was attended by Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and UPND president Hakainde Hichilema at Lusaka's Blue Nile Lodge on Thursday, chief Nalubamba asked Sata and Hichilema to be transparent to each other.
"There is one key word that he said that the two leaders of the pact must be honest and transparent to each other over the pact. Chief Nalubamba asked them not to be distracted by the MMD who were trying to put pressure on them over who would be president. And the chief said it did not matter who is the president, what the people need is change," the source said.
"He asked them to explain clearly that they were two organisations who were working together to remove MMD."
When contacted for comment over the matter, Sata said what chief Nalubamba said was that it was incumbent upon him and his colleagues to remove from the other chiefs the notion that chiefs should support the government of the day.
"He said working with the government of the day is something else. He said everybody can work with the government of the day, including the opposition, but that does not mean that we should support the government of the day politically," Sata said.
"You see, there are other chiefs that are peddling 'support the government of the day', they have played on their minds to say 'support the government of the day'"
Sata said chief Nalubamba asked him and Hichilema to harmonise the PF and UPND's policies on how they planned to work with the chiefs.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, PF-UPND, SATA
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Rupiah, Chiluba friendship worries Nalubamba
Written by George Chellah and Zumani Katasefa
Friday, September 11, 2009 5:09:05 PM
SENIOR chief Bright Nalubamba of the Ila people of Southern Province yesterday said President Rupiah Banda must be cautious over his friendship with former president Frederick Chiluba. In an interview, chief Nalubamba said it was a wrong time to promote the friendship between President Banda and Chiluba.
"It has come at a wrong time. If donors are not sure that this man is free and then you keep on promoting such friendship donors will have a problem to fund Zambia, I fear!" chief Nalubamba said.
"I can't break their friendship but I would urge the President to put the interest of the country first. The President must be cautious about his friendship with Chiluba because he is President of a nation and not President of an individual. Otherwise he is free to be friends with anybody."
He advised the government to listen to the masses on the controversy surrounding Chiluba's acquittal.
"Here is an excellent opportunity for the government to show appreciation that they are a government of the people, by the people and for the people," chief Nalubamba said. "They should listen to cries and needs of the people because that's what the people want. It's not a dictatorship, it's a democracy. If the people are wrong let the High Court and perhaps the Supreme Court decide that."
On President Banda's recent statement that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema should not incite donors against the government, chief Nalubamba said donors did not require Hichilema or the opposition to incite them.
"It's not what the opposition is saying that will send away donors, it's what the government does. Donors have eyes to see, donors have ears to hear and they know what is happening with their money here. When they pull out it's not because of Hakainde, it's because of what the government is doing. Let them consider their positions...what are they doing with the Mwanawasa legacy of fighting corruption?" chief Nalubamba asked.
He argued that the government's actions could send donors away.
"If the government is corrupt, donors will go. If they are not corrupt, what are they afraid of? Hakainde was only waking up the government as a citizen of this country. If there is corruption in Zambia it's time for them to start checking themselves," he said.
Chief Nalubamba said the government should restore confidence in donors just like the late president Levy Mwanawasa did.
On High Court judge Phillip Musonda's granting of leave for judicial review to Munali PF member of parliament Mumbi Phiri on the decision by the DPP to withdraw an appeal against Chiluba's acquittal, chief Nalubamba said he wanted to believe that the Judiciary was still an independent body.
"So we are waiting to see what they will do," chief Nalubamba said.
And Nchanga Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Wylbur Simuusa advised Chiluba to humble himself and stop fighting for his innocence.
Simuusa said it was strange that Chiluba was fighting for his innocence.
He said if Chiluba was a true Christian he should leave it to people to tell that he was innocent.
"If he is innocent why is he demanding for the restoration of his immunity? I am advising Chiluba to keep quiet and wait for people to say he is innocent," he said.
Simuusa said as a Christian, Chiluba should learn to be humble instead of bragging over his acquittal.
On Tuesday, Chiluba said he would soon have his immunity restored by Parliament.
Labels: CHIEF NALUBAMBA, CHILUBA, RUPIAH BANDA
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