Rupiah is a despicable leader, says Patrick
By Ernest Chanda
Sun 18 Sep. 2011, 13:55 CAT
PATRICK Mwanawasa says President Rupiah Banda hates his late father so much that he has continued to fight him even after his death. And George Mpombo says President Banda was admitting that he would lose in Kafulafuta.
HYpresident Levy Mwanawasa's oldest son, said President Banda was a very ungrateful person.
"President Rupiah Banda is a despicable leader who is ungrateful, and he must be ashamed of himself. My late father brought him from the doldrums of what was then a poverty-stricken farm in Chipata. His ungratefulness is now based on fighting my father even after he's dead," Patrick said.
"This is the man who denied the nation an inquest after the death of a Republican president but found it necessary to compromise the integrity of the judiciary by influencing decisions of criminal cases that are of national interest. Such is the hatred that this man has for my father, that he has killed the fight against corruption in exchange for poverty, poor working conditions, horrendous hospital conditions, premature births outside hospitals; and this is the same man who wants the people to vote for him."
Patrick said it was unfortunate that President Banda haboured so much hatred for him despite his clean campaigns.
"He's the man who leaves a stench of death wherever he goes. And this is so evident by the mass killings which have occurred across the country, be it by investors or by officers who act for him. So by him coming to decampaign me in my constituency, it just shows the amount of hatred which he has for me," said Patrick.
He said it also confirmed that President Banda hated the people because he was trying to frustrate efforts of bringing about dignity to the people of Zambia which has been denied by this MMD government.
"This is an evil man who must be ashamed of himself, and he's an evil man who must be escorted out of State House back to where he belongs, which is the dustbin of politics."
And Mpombo said President Banda was no longer a factor in Ndola rural.
The former defence minister and immediate past Kafulafuta MMD member of parliament dared President Banda to go and witness his downfall in the area.
"It's a futile attempt because Banda is irrelevant to Ndola rural, and the PF is very strong. It's a desperation by Banda, it may be an acknowledgement that Banda will not be surviving in Ndola rural. Patrick is very strong, so Banda is wasting his time. If Banda wants let him come and camp in Kafulafuta we will teach him a lesson," said Mpombo.
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA, PF, RUPIAH BANDA
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Government contractors farm for Rupiah - Mulongoti
By Abigail Chaponda in Kafulafuta
Tue 23 Aug. 2011, 14:00 CAT
MIKE Mulongoti has challenged President Rupiah Banda to deny that he is a corrupt leader who ensures that some contractors who get government business are made to farm for him. And George Mpombo has said that President Banda is a high priest of tribalism and corruption.
During a rally to drum up support and present PF Kafulafuta Constituency parliamentary candidate Patrick Mwanawasa at Bangwe Basic School in Kafulafuta on Saturday, Mulongoti said the time for President Banda to answer for corruption was slowly approaching.
He said it was sad to see even dogs wearing MMD Chitenge materials bearing President Banda’s portrait. Mulongoti said that President Banda would soon answer on the source of money he is buying chitenge materials, bicycles and the money he was flashing around.
“When late president Mwanawasa was here, he made sure that he gave you eight bags of fertiliser, but when President Banda came he reduced to four bags. And this is because he doesn’t care.
From the time he became President, he doesn’t know the price of fertiliser,” Mulongoti, a former works and supply minister, said.
“Whenever President Banda contracts a person to build roads in Chipata, he makes sure that the contractor farms for him. I am challenging him to deny.”
Mulongoti said President Banda was a greedy man who only loved himself and that Zambians should not dare give him a vote because he had betrayed them.
He said he personally went to pick President Banda from his farm in Chipata.
“When I went to President Banda’s farm in Chipata, I found him in shorts and told him that president Mwanawasa needed him. And when the president died, I told him that since he was the vice-president, he should be the one to finish the three years that were left by the late president,” Mulongoti said.
“To my surprise, ba Rupiah refused, saying that he was old and that he was UNIP and there was no way MMD members were going to welcome him in the party as president. But I told him that the membership will agree. I was even his campaign manager.”
Mulogoti said even after helping President Banda, he changed his mind and started chasing all the people that worked with the late president Mwanawasa. He said President Banda was annoyed that Patrick was contesting the Kafulafuta seat.
Mulongoti asked residents to vote for Patrick because he was a young and brilliant man.
“I worked with MMD and I know where MMD is strong. I made ba Rupiah to win in Lambaland and this time around I will make sure that PF, Sata and Patrick goes through,” Mulongoti said.
“Patrick is a young man and for the future to go forward, we need young people like Patrick. He is a man who fears God just like his father, and we ask that you give him a vote.”
Mulongoti also told the residents to receive any money that the MMD candidates were going to offer them because it was taxpayers’ money. He said President Banda had tasted the sweetness of power and would do anything to be in power.
Mulongoti also said that before president Mwanawasa died, he reconciled with everyone, including PF president Sata.
“We had a meeting at State House where the late president called me and told me that he had reconciled with PF president Sata. The late president reconciled with everyone and we ask everyone of you to receive Sata and vote for him. He is a good leader who will change and transform this country,” he said
And speaking at the same rally, Mpombo said President Banda had made Lambas as rubber stamps and that he was a shameless and corrupt old man.
“I don’t know what development that this person is talking about; all the developmental projects that he is talking about were started by the late president (Mwanawasa),” he said.
Mpombo said President Banda should be voted out of power because he would destroy the country with his corrupt practices.
“Every contract that is in Zambia, he involves his children. This man behaves like a sugar daddy. Don’t vote for him,” said Mpombo.
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MIKE MULONGOTI, PATRICK MWANAWASA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Mulongoti reveals attempt on his life
By Kombe Chimpinde
Wed 27 July 2011, 14:00 CAT
MIKE Mulongoti has revealed that he survived an attempt on his life while on his way to Lufwanyama on the Copperbelt last Saturday. Explaining the ordeal in an interview yesterday, Mulongoti, who recently endorsed the candidature of PF leader Michael Sata, attributed the attempt on his life to the government system, which he said perceived him to be a threat and stumbling block to their ambitions.
“We were going to Lufwanyama to attend a traditional ceremony with Jack Kalala, who was driving my vanette, and Patrick Mwanwawasa, in whose car I was travelling. After we left Kitwe, Patrick and I decided to wait for Mr Kalala who had lost us in traffic,” Mulongoti said.
“But a few minutes later, I received a call from Kalala telling me that they were almost involved in an accident. Kalala explained that a car had suddenly overtaken my vehicle, which he was driving. He explained that the car which had overtaken the vehicle turned and started driving back in the opposite direction. Mr. Kalala said inside the vehicle were people pointing to my vehicle, saying ‘this is the one. This is the one’.”
“Suddenly, instead of following the directive, the driver of the car behind Mulongoti’s to which instructions were being given reversed and stopped. Mr Kalala said he managed to swerve and move to the middle of the road,” Mulongoti said.
“Two rough-looking men got off the pick-up shivering, saying that they were just given instructions by the occupants of the car which had just gone in the opposite direction.”
Mulongoti said Mr Kalala, Dr Chishiba and the other passengers were so shaken that they couldn’t take note of the number plate of the vehicle.
Mulongoti, who was recently fired from the government and the MMD after he attempted to the challenge Vice-President George Kunda for the position of party vice-president at the party convention, described the incident as a ploy by the government system to eliminate him.
However, Mulongoti said he was more than willing to die if that was the price of defending democracy.
Labels: ASSASSINATION, MIKE MULONGOTI, PATRICK MWANAWASA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE
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Patrick turns to Kavindele, describes him as a finished politician
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, July 15, 2011, 1:10 pm
Patrick Mwanawasa has responded to former vice president Enoch Kavindele’s advice for him to learn to respect elders by describing him as A finished old politician who should be the last person to give him advice. Patrick said that he respects Mr. Kavindele as former vice president and successful businessman but advised him to save himself from being embarrassed.
Reacting to advice given to him by Mr. Kavindele that he is too young to engage himself in a confrontation with republican President Rupiah Banda, the late president Levy Mwanawasa’s eldest son observes that Zambia is a democratic nation stating that he will talk to any person in whichever way that pleases him.
Patrick, who recently defected from the ruling MMD to the opposition Patriotic Front, says Mr. Kavindele should realize that the political dispensation in the country is changing.
He says the last elderly leader to be given a mandate to run the country will be PF leader Michael Sata, who he says should also serve only five years and leave office for the young generation.
[QFM]
Labels: ENOCH KAVINDELE, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA, PF
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Contracts have compromised Kavindele, charges Patrick
By Ernest Chanda
Fri 15 July 2011, 14:01 CAT
PATRICK Mwanawasa says former Republican vice-president Enoch Kavindele has been compromised by Rupiah Banda’s contracts and have successfully turned him into a hypocrite.
Reacting to Kavindele’s statement that he should tone down on his language against President Rupiah Banda, Patrick said yesterday it was sad that the country’s former vice-president had lost his principles.
“I have a lot of respect for Mr Enoch Kavindele, firstly because he was vice-president of this country and secondly because he has a rich business acumen which makes him stand out in this country. But I take great exception to what he said about me on ZNBC Television news last night Wednesday,” Patrick said.
“When we go back into the archives, we will find that this is the same man who not too long ago was appearing in The Post newspaper almost on a daily basis belittling President Banda. But today he has got power to advise me. He is being hypocritical because we all know what he used to say about the same President he is defending now.
He had perhaps even used a language that could be described as worse than what I said. But now that President Banda has given him a contract to construct the North Western railway line he has even lost his principles.
Who is he to be asking me to tone down? Am I also benefiting from his contract that I should abandon my fight for the good of this country?”
Patrick said Kavindele had abandoned the principles he stood on simply because things were now working well for him. He said it was always frustrating to have such politicians in the country who only looked at what they would benefit from the government.
“Kavindele must just concentrate on what he is doing, and let him not enjoy his acquired benefits at my expense. This is very frustrating in Zambian politics because we have politicians who want to show principles only when it suits them. They can say this and that about the government, but once they get some business, they lose all their principles,” said Patrick.
“Remember even Nchelenge member of parliament Benny Mwila BY used to be critical of my father’s administration. But ever since President Banda started giving him some contracts, he has also changed. And these are the kind of politicians who want to be advising us today. What a shame!”
Patrick on Tuesday vowed that President Banda could not bring him down.
This was in reaction to MMD-orchestrated allegations that Kitwe mayor Elias Kamanga gave him fuel for campaign purposes in Kafulafuta Constituency.
Patrick warned that the head of state’s stubbornness would be his downfall and he would be removed from power as did happen to Ivory Coast’s Laurent Gbagbo.
“I can’t go down. I don’t see myself going down because I am going to fight to the hilt. Rupiah Banda cannot bring me down; in the end it will be him who is going to bring himself down because he is stubborn,” said Patrick.
And commenting on Patrick’s statement, Kavindele on Wednesday said the late president’s son had resorted to using strong language against elders.
“Patrick has a right to belong to a party of his choice although he should have remained in the MMD. However, the language he has picked on is wrong and Patrick is too raw and junior to say what he said in The Post newspaper,” said Kavindele.
Labels: CORRUPTION, ENOCH KAVINDELE, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Rupiah can’t bring me down - Patrick
By Chibaula Silwamba
Wed 13 July 2011, 12:01 CAT
RUPIAH Banda cannot bring me down, vows Patrick Mwanawasa. Reacting to MMD-orchestrated allegations that Kitwe mayor Elias Kamanga gave him fuel for campaign purposes, Patrick said President Banda and his crew were behind the unfounded allegations against him but vowed that they would not succeed in bringing him down.
Patrick, the eldest son of the late president Levy Mwanawasa, who appointed Banda his vice-president, warned that the head of state’s stubbornness would be his downfall and he would be removed from power as did happen to Ivory Coast’s Laurent Gbagbo.
“I can’t go down. I don’t see myself going down because I am going to fight to the hilt. Rupiah Banda cannot bring me down; in the end it will be him who is going to bring himself down because he is stubborn,” Patrick said.
“If he President Banda continues with his stubbornness, after the elections he will be embarrassed just like Laurent Gbagbo was embarrassed for refusing to leave office after losing power.”
Patrick denied ever obtaining fuel from Kitwe City Council.
“I never got any fuel from his worship the mayor of Kitwe Elias Kamanga. Due to his high integrity standing, I cannot see how he and I can be a subject of such frivolous allegations,” Patrick said.
“Nowhere in the information brought before the law enforcement authority is there any evidence which suggests that I was the direct or indirect beneficiary of any fuel.”
Patrick expressed disappointment that the Zambia Police Force could entertain the allegations leveled against him and Kamanga by Copperbelt Province MMD Task Force chairman Joe Malanji that they drew fuel from Kitwe City Council.
He wondered why the police wanted to pursue him and Kamanga while ignoring “criminals” in Cabinet that were abusing public resources for campaigns.
“Ambassador Malanji who runs a jungle jim of monkeys and clowns as MMD Task Force on the Copperbelt is merely implementing the plans of his masters. His masters are Rupiah Banda and crew,” Patrick said.
“Malanji’s masters are determined to destroy everything that president Levy Mwanawasa left behind, including me. They are determined to ensure that my political career does not take off. They have insatiable desire to shamelessly reduce me into a pauper. They would rather be comfortable to see me wearing the same black suit I wore at my father’s funeral.”
Patrick said President Banda and his crew were oppressing him because he refused to support them and they were determined to crash anybody who rendered any form of assistant to him or anybody that preserved the word and works of Mwanawasa.
He said that such unacceptable behaviour was the highest level of cruelty against human capital that must not be allowed to continue.
“They are accusing his worship the mayor Elias Kamanga of abusing public resources but the President, the Vice-President and ministers are traversing this country using government vehicles and public resources to go and campaign.
This is hypocrisy. Who are the criminals now? In fact, the police should start investigating ministers that are using government vehicles for campaigns,” said Patrick.
According to yesterday’s Zambia Daily Mail and ZNBC, the Kitwe City Council has grabbed the mayoral vehicle from Kamanga over allegations that he was using it for campaign purposes. This followed Malanji’s allegations against Kamanga.
Malanji further accused Kamanga of having refueled Patrick’s vehicle with 73.4 litres of petrol worth K635, 000 on the account of the Kitwe City Council.
Labels: ELIAS KAMANGA, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA, PF, RUPIAH BANDA
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Rupiah won’t get a vote from Lambaland, says Patrick
By Chibaula Silwamba
Fri 01 July 2011, 04:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda will not get a vote from Lambaland, says Patrick Mwanawasa. In an interview from Kafulafuta where he is positioning to run for parliamentary office under the opposition PF ticket in this year’s elections, Patrick (above), the eldest son of late president Levy Mwanawasa, said Lambaland in Ndola rural would not vote for President Banda and the MMD.
“People in Lambaland have noticed that President Banda has completely erased the efforts of president Levy Mwanawasa on the development of Zambia. People of Lambaland are saying that they want to show him that they mean business and he will not get a vote in Lambaland,” Patrick said.
He said the PF’s campaign in Lambaland was progressing well ahead of the elections.
“Everything is okay and people are happy that there is a Mwanawasa name coming up, that as a son of the late president I want to stand,” said Patrick.
“The campaigns for PF are okay and have been boosted by my arrival. We are mobilising ourselves. After the PF convention Saturday July 2 to Tuesday July 5, 2011, I will camp at Teka Farm to campaign.”
President Mwanawasa’s mother was Lamba while his father was Lenje from Central Province.
Respected for his relentless fight against corruption, Mwanawasa ruled Zambia from January 2002 until his death in August 2008.
Labels: PATRICK MWANAWASA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Mpombo to campaign for Patrick
By Chibaula Silwamba
Thu 30 June 2011, 04:01 CAT
PATRICK Mwanawasa’s defection from the MMD to PF is
a vote of no confidence in Rupiah Banda’s leadership, says George Mpombo. And Mpombo yesterday said he would not re-contest his Kafulafuta parliamentary seat but vigorously campaign for Patrick, the eldest son of the late president Levy Mwanawasa, in the forthcoming elections.
In a telephone interview, Mpombo said Patrick’s defection had a lot of significance and it was a clear demonstration that MMD was a sinking ship and would not survive.
“In America they call a defection like Patrick’s heading for the biggest shellacking; a major defeat. It’s more than mammoth defeat,” said Mpombo, the incumbent member of parliament for Kafulafuta Constituency in Ndola rural, homeland of the late president Mwanawasa, on the MMD ticket.
“Patrick’s departure is a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the party because the party has suffered a tragic leadership failure especially the President.”
He said he would support Patrick to the hilt.
“I will be campaigning for Patrick and we will put an effective campaign programme for him because I am certainly not standing in Kafulafuta Constituency. I will support his candidature for several reasons. Firstly, the government has criminally vandalised his father’s legacy to the extent that they want to completely extinguish his contribution to the economic development of this country. So Patrick’s presence in politics will sustain his father’s legacy,” Mpombo said.
“Secondly, I encourage him because he is a youth. Youths are a conveyor belt of tomorrow’s leadership. Thirdly, I will support him because the PF is bigger than me and it needs an important bridge in Kafulafuta Constituency as a launch pad for Ndola rural.”
He said the Banda administration was pushing Mwanawasa’s six-and-half-year reign into oblivion by attributing all the developments he undertook to the incumbent president.
Mpombo said Mwanawasa had regarded President Banda, then his vice-president, as his relation but the latter had let down the deceased president.
Mpombo also said the MMD had lost ground in Chongwe, where the ruling party suspended area member of parliament and its national executive committee (NEC) women’s committee chairperson Sylvia Masebo who has since resigned, on what he termed flimsy grounds.
“For instance, Chongwe and Lusaka rural, traditionally, has been a no-go area for any other political party apart from MMD. The opposition’s infiltration in Chongwe has taken away a major pillar of support for the MMD in Lusaka Province,” said Mpombo.
Last Friday, Patrick announced his defection from the MMD to join the PF and has since applied to stand in Kafulafuta while Masebo announced her resignation from the MMD in a letter to national secretary Major Richard Kachingwe on Monday.
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA, PF
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Mwanawasa’ son joins opposition of developmental projects
Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 8:11News36 comments
Patrick Mwanawasa
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda’s government is brainwashing Zambians into believing that it is bringing about the much-needed development, says Patrick Mwanawasa.
And Patrick (left), the eldest son of the late president Levy Mwana-wasa, has
accused government leaders of ordering security personnel to kill Zambians during the recent disturbances in Mongu and Mazabuka.In an interview witht the Post, Patrick said
he was fed up with flamboyant speeches which were clearly not a true reflection of what was obtaining on the ground.
“It has been interesting to watch events unfold in the political arena this year. But I am appalled by the lack of conscience exhibited by our political leaders and those holding public office,” Patrick said. “Time and again, we hear how our government is working in our best interest.
We are brainwashed into believing that they are carrying out their duties to bring about the much-needed development, emancipation of youths and commitment to the achievement of a vision, a vision whose cornerstone has been shattered by a failure to entrench a national instrument for governance, an instrument which protects the rights of its citizenry, a people’s generic identity, a people’s constitution.”
He said Zambia had a middle class, albeit the intelligentsia of society, that was oblivious to the plight of the youth and workers in the name of protecting their jobs and comfortable homes.
However, Patrick said he did not blame the middle class for hiding behind the political mess because whenever one criticised those who ran a government on a democratic deficit, they risked jeopardising their lives and their families.
“But this is the reality, and any criticism, external or internal under such a deficit, could have adverse effects on the legitimacy of that government at any given time. Needless to say that this is a crucial time, a time when all parameters of governance are critically scrutinised,” Patrick said.
“Against this backdrop, we the people have been blanketed with a strong marketing machinery which has captured our attention, a machinery which has got us interested: ‘your money and your government at work!’ We have been beckoned to make a decision.”
Patrick said youths were denied the chance to be entrepreneurs in their own land and were reduced to licking the boots of foreign investors and even get shot to death if they asked for a meaningful income.
“We cry this beloved country that our leaders provide laws and enforce them; laws that empower their citizens and not those that oppress them; laws that protect their citizens and not those that leave them vulnerable,” Patrick said.
He said much as Zambians appreciated the quantitative changes in the nation’s output, Zambia’s economic development must benefit them.
Patrick said Zambia needed an economic strategy that weaned it off reliance on credit policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
“Many economists will claim to have a solution to this quagmire of economic malaise, but that is not enough, because what we need is a relentless political will to achieve that which we truly desire, economic sovereignty,” Patrick said. “No longer must we be naïve and accept the cynical view often adopted by our leaders that we don’t understand how government operates.
To add insult to injury, we have charlatans representing the West and Bretton Woods institutions IMF and World Bank praising government for our country’s economic growth but they are remarkably cavalier without any idea of the gulf in real gross domestic product (GDP) between those we call our leaders and the youth selling talk time at Manda Hill.”
Patrick said pro-government charlatans lamentably fail to highlight the need to substitute elitism with a class of constructive non-state actors that advocate policy for the afflicted, the unemployed, the youth and the poor.
“This behaviour, it must be noted, is for lack of a better term ridiculous. I say this because we are being hoodwinked that the world is a global community but in my observation, the current socio-political conditions suggest that globalisation is nothing but a pretext for neo-colonialism,” Patrick said.
“This is a call to reclaim our national identity, our African pride. Our forefathers entrenched the philosophy of African humanism. However, the wave of democracy brought with it the tide of capitalism which eroded this social ideal.
Patrick said as though that were not enough, those that Zambians helped liberate from the shackles of white supremacy, had rebuilt their nations on a foundation that emphasised the enforcement of social development. However, he said Zambia had nothing to show for its efforts.
“Recently we commemorated Africa Freedom Day. It was a sad day; a day in a year where we have witnessed conflict upon conflict, from Abidjan in Ivory Coast to Abyei in the Sudan. Amidst this predicament, our leaders from Cape to Cairo celebrated the occasion in euphoric fashion under the auspices of defence forces covered in regal attire,” Patrick said.
“Back home, the same defence forces who under tough conditions of service, guard jealously that which we hold sacred, our peace. And what do our leaders do? They order them to slay the youth, women and children! Mongu killings, Mazabuka riots and the list goes on and before the end of the year, they will be ordered to slay their own families.”
Patrick said one could call it neither naivety nor ignorance to think that Zambia had fallen to subversion.
On the labour movement front, Patrick regretted that the labour leaders that were supposed to represent the plight of the workers were in bed with their oppressors.
Patrick said people whom Zambians had entrusted with the affairs of the country undermined the citizens’ confidence in their capabilities while systematically insulting the people’s plight with patronising speech and oppressive behaviour.
Labels: MMD, NEOCOLONIALISM, NEOLIBERALISM, PATRICK MWANAWASA, YOUTHS
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Patrick’s decision to stand in Kafulafuta will be betrayal - Mpombo
By Kombe Chimpinde
Mon 06 Sep. 2010, 14:00 CAT
EXPELLED MMD Kafulafuta member of parliament, George Mpombo, has described as betrayal late president Levy Mwanawasa’s son Patrick’s declared intention to stand in Kafulafuta on the MMD party ticket.
And Patrick has said he would make his intentions to stand public after all legal issues or possible challenging of Saturday’s MMD National Executive Committee decision to expel Mpombo and his Chilanga counterpart, Ngande Magande are resolved.
Meanwhile, MMD’s acting spokesperson Dora Siliya, has confirmed that the party has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly declaring Mpombo and Magande’s seats vacant.
Commenting on Patrick’s decision to stand in Kafulafuta, Mpombo said late president’s son was too young for him to go into a verbal shootout with.
“It is the centre of betrayal but I want to assure him that as far as am concerned Patrick is too young for me. I will not go into a verbal shootout with him,” he said.
“Since he has decided let the public judge his conduct against mine. I would love to stress that Patrick is not a factor in Kafulafuta.”
He, however, said Patrick like any other Zambian had a constitutional right to contest any seat.
And late president Mwanawasa’s wife, Maureen, told Post Online in an interview that Patrick had not yet broken the news to the family officially over his position to contest the Kafulafuta constituency seat.
She said that though Patrick was yet to inform the family officially he was an adult and also in a position to make personal decisions.
“…well, we have not sat to talk about it as a family because am not staying with him. However he is an adult and therefore he should be able to make decisions on his own,” she said.
“You talk to him he will tell you that we haven't discussed as a family.”
Patrick confirmed in an interview that he had not yet broken the news to the family as he was waiting for the matter to be exhausted.
“I haven’t spoken to the family yet because am told these guys(Magande and Mpombo) will appeal. So I will break the news officially when the appeal cases are over,” he said.
Patrick had on Saturday expressed hope of the MMD adopting him in the Kafulafuta Constituency following the expulsion of his uncle former defence minister, Mpombo.
And Mpombo has warned works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti that it would be politically suicidal for him to stand in Kafulafuta.
Commenting on the continued talk of Mulongoti eying the same seat, Mpombo said that if it is true it is going to be suicidal for him.
“Firstly, who is Mulongoti? I tell you it will be suicidal on his part if these rumours are true because Mulongoti has lost credibility in Lufwanyama where he comes from,” he warned.
“I have never had characteristics of a coward. I take rational decisions and I don't need to prove my popularity to political lumpens.”
Meanwhile, Siliya at a press briefing today announced that the MMD has written to Speaker of the National Assembly declaring the two seats vacant.
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Executive, judiciary not stood by Levy’s vision – Patrick
By Kombe Chimpinde
Sat 21 Aug. 2010, 04:02 CAT
THE executive and the judiciary have not stood by what Levy Mwanawasa stood for, Patrick Mwanawasa has charged. In an interview with Post Online after his late father’s second memorial, Patrick observed that the main arm of the government had not fought and stood firm in the fight against corruption, which his father strongly believed in.
“You see in terms of the issue of corruption I cannot say it’s just not about one arm of the government. I think I would say that the executive and the judiciary have both not stood and fought for what the great man stood for,” Patrick said.
“I know we should allow for different people to take up leadership as this is part of any democratic dispensation. But what is unfortunate is that when Levy was around they those in the current government were the ones who were in agreement with him and what he stood for, but now they have gone in the opposite direction.“
Patrick said coincidentally, the Lusaka High Court’s decision to dismiss an application to register the London judgment which found former president Frederick Chiluba and others guilty of embezzling public funds came shortly before his father’s memorial, a man who relentlessly fought against corruption.
“We keep on using August 19 to bury bad news because if you remember even last year Dr Frederick Chiluba was acquitted on the eve of August 19 last year. The registration of the London judgment has been thrown out during the same period and we really don't understand the motive behind all this,” he said.
“It’s so unfortunate that what we Zambians were supposed to achieve when the big man was alive has been abandoned. But as a youth I'm still optimistic that things in future are going to change. What is more important is that the people of Zambia are inspired and more determined to make Zambia a better place and for me this will not start from our leaders but it must start from house to house.”
Patrick said he had not lost hope over what his father intended to achieve.
However, Patrick reminded Zambians that they ought to respect the incumbent President, Rupiah Banda, saying peace and unity were inevitable for democracy to survive.
And in her speech during the second memorial service for Mwanawasa, former first lady Maureen shared what he had recorded as his last message to the nation as part of his will.
In the statement recorded on March 23, 2005, Mwanawasa regretted that he had lost close friends because of his fight against corruption.
He explained that his campaign against corruption was not driven by malice but the desire to improve people’s lives.
“I believed that national development could only be sustained if good governance, respect for the rule of law and democracy were encouraged and not taken for granted. To spur these virtues, the fight against corruption had to be waged relentlessly and without treating anybody as a sacred cow,” Mwanawasa said.
“I regret that in my zeal to facilitate this fight, I lost friendship with a number of some of my best friends, and at many times my own life and that of my family members were threatened. I want to assure the nation that no malice or ill will was intended in these initiatives.”
He said his fight against corruption was purely driven by his love for the country and the urgent need to transform it from poverty to prosperity and that he had always been grieved to see so much poverty, hopelessness and anguish in the faces of the children.
Mwanawasa said, in the broadcast, “I do hope that the party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, can continue with this vision for our nation pursuing the fight of zero tolerance to corruption ... It is my desire that all future governments will continue to wage this fight. If in my endeavours to provide only the best for my country I offended some of my compatriots, all I can ask is that they should find a place in their hearts to forgive me as no deliberate intentions to harm their feelings without just cause was intended.”
Mwanawasa said he was grateful for the opportunity he was given to serve as Republican president, a privilege he cherished up to his death.
“To those who attended my funeral and to those who mourned with my family, I say I am extremely grateful to all of you. I am certain that I speak on behalf of my family that their burden had thereby been lightened.”
Mwanawasa died on August 19, 2008 at Percy Military Hospital in Paris, France where he had been evacuated after suffering a stroke while attending an African Union (AU) summit in Egypt.
Labels: LEVY MWANAWASA, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Zambia: Masaiti wants Patrick Mwanawasa for MP
Friday, June 25, 2010, 9:21
THE MMD in Masaiti District has resolved to float late president Levy Mwanawasa’s son Patrick as parliamentary candidate for Kafulufuta constituency in the 2011 general elections.
Area MMD chairperson Michael Katambo said since current MP George Mpombo had lost popularity, the party decided to float Patrick as parliamentary candidate for the 2011 elections.
He said in an interview yesterday that the decision was arrived at after several meetings at grass root level where the proposal to float Patrick was supported by the majority.
“We want to uphold the legacy of late president Mwanawasa by floating his son as Kafulafuta MP and because he is a committed member of the party,” Mr Katambo said.
When contacted Mr Mpombo said he did not care, as it was too early for the party to endorse anyone for next year’s elections.
And Patrick said he was interested in Kafulafuta constituency but would only comment if the MMD national executive committee (NEC) or ordinary residents of the area raised the matter.
“I won’t say much until higher authorities say so. I hold the people of Kafulafuta closely and dearly to my heart,” he said.
Mr Katambo said Mr Mpombo had lost favour in the constituency hence the need to replace him with somebody people would accept.
He urged Mr Mpombo to stop telling the people that he single handedly influenced the construction of schools and health institution in the area because the projects were part of government’s nation wide plans to deliver services to the people.
Mr Mpombo held a meeting in Kafulafuta constituency last weekend where he alleged that he had single handedly initiated the development in the area.
And Patrick said he was interested in Kafulafuta constituency but would only comment if the MMD national executive committee (NEC) or ordinary residents of the area raised the matter.
“How can he claim to have single handedly influenced the development, it is not true, those are part of government projects being taken countrywide,” Mr Katambo said.
The Government was constructing a high school at Masangano area and upgrading Sankute clinic into a district hospital.
Mr Katambo said the district had also resolved not to vote for Mr Mpombo for any position at the next convention.
But Mr Mpombo said he was the one who initiated the projects by lobbying the Government.
He said he had a meeting in the constituency to explain to the electorate the reason why he resigned as Defence minister and that he was still MMD.
“I had a meeting to explain certain things to the electorate, I told them that l am still MMD and nobody is going to push me. And believe me I did not speak anything ill against president Banda during the meeting,” Mr Mpombo said.
He said he was still popular in the area and he was sure of retaining the seat if he contested.
And the MMD has started holding elections at various party structures as a build up to the national convention that takes place soon after the provincial executive committees.
MMD chairperson for elections Mike Mulongoti said he had directed that all elections for executive committees should take place by 15 July 2010 in all the constituencies that have not held them.
These would be followed by district after which provincial elections that would be addressed by President Rupiah Banda would be held.
He said in a media release in Lusaka yesterday that the elections must be held by next month in a memorandum addressed to all provincial and district chairpersons.
“This serves to inform you that party elections for all the executive committees should be held by 15 July 2010 in all the constituencies that have not held them to date,” Mr Mulongoti said.
The provincial executives have already declared President Banda the sole presidential candidate while other interested members are still allowed to contest the position.
[Times of Zambia]
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, MASAITI DISTRICT, MICHAEL KATAMBO, MPs, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Patrick Mwanawasa declares ambitions for Kafulafuta seat
By Ernest Chanda
Tue 09 Mar. 2010, 09:00 CAT
Featuring on Muvi Television’s Frank Talk in Lusaka on Sunday night, Patrick said life in State House somewhat detached him from reality in the rest of the country.
“From what I experienced, State House provided a life that is artificial because you are inside there; you are not really in touch with what is obtaining on the ground. And as such you feel comfortable in that same comfort zone, but what people are going through outside is not a true reflection of what you think is happening on the outside,” Patrick narrated.
“I became more weary of people such that I became more suspicious of people. I just didn’t take it for granted; I wanted to know a lot about them. I think that has kind of affected my personality, I actually don’t judge a book by its cover; instead I would rather want to get to find out more about a person before I can make judgement about them.”
When asked by the presenter Frank Mutubila if he had taken advantage of his late father’s status and acquired many girlfriends, Patrick answered in the negative.
“Not at all. You see I’ve asked several family members to advise… And as such I took a pragmatic approach in terms of having a relationship with a woman, especially girls. And as a result I could have had so many girls who really came to me but I did not seize the opportunity and get to them,” he said.
Patrick pleaded with the MMD leadership to adopt him in Kafulafuta purely on merit.
He said he would prefer to be adopted based on his ability to deliver.
“I don’t want the ruling party which is MMD, my party, I don’t want them to adopt me because they see it as a way of showing gratitude or favour to me. I would rather they incorporate me as their candidate because they believe I can help bring development to our people,” Patrick pleaded.
Asked if he had consulted the current area member of parliament George Mpombo, Patrick answered in the affirmative.
“Yes, I spoke to him for about an hour at National Assembly Motel some two months ago.
I made him aware of my ambition of standing in Kafulafuta come 2011. He told me that he will not contest those elections; and I kind of asked him ‘what ambitions have you got for the future?’
And he stated to me that he will be able to form a clear picture of what he wants to do in future come June,” Patrick explained. “From that point I tend to think that he might be waiting for the MMD convention then also maybe he will form his opinion.
But as a man who aspires to have high integrity levels I was thinking that maybe he is going to aspire for party presidency. Then I was thinking that by that virtue he would not be contesting for those parliamentary elections in 2011.”
When reminded that the MMD had lost popularity and people across the country wanted change, Patrick kept his faith in the party.
“I’ll stand on the MMD ticket if I get adopted. I will stand on the MMD ticket because it appeals to my lifestyle. I’m in middle class and I was brought up with a middle class background. And if you look at the MMD ideology it’s a social democratic ideology. It is centre based; it appeals to both the upper class and the lower class. So that is my reason why I’m standing on the MMD ticket,” said Patrick.
“When we talk about change at least we must understand what we want for ourselves. Yes, there’s a difference between President Rupiah Banda and my father. But one thing people should understand is that the new deal administration left some very important projects which, like if you watch Culture Remodeling on ZNBC Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation television you will see that the MMD government is working.”
Labels: FRANK MUTUBILA, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Patrick advises MMD against using Chiluba at centre of its campaigns
By Chibaula Silwamba
Mon 01 Feb. 2010, 04:01 CAT
Late president Levy Mwanawasa's eldest son Patrick has advised the MMD against having former president Frederick Chiluba at the centre of its campaign strategy. And Patrick said it was distasteful to learn that MMD youths issued derogatory remarks to FDD president Edith Nawakwi.
In an interview, Patrick said although he did not believe in political enemies, Chiluba's role in the campaigns must be limited to a stealth activity.
“I personally do not believe in political enemies and so if Dr Chiluba wants to support the party for 2011, he should be embraced. After all, he is one of the founder members of the party but I have my reservations of having him at the core face of our campaign strategy and instead must be limited to a stealth activity,” Patrick said. “For example, the opposition are using the Church as an instrument to advocate for a change of government, but we can counter that by sending Dr Chiluba on a circuit to various churches of different denominations.”
Patrick said he could not deny that Chiluba was a charismatic man who could appeal to the masses.
“Not foregoing his misdeeds to the people of our land, his declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is one of a few aspects which endear him to the people of our beloved country,” Patrick said. “Objectively speaking, there is a danger, however, of the Church being involved in active politics.
Regardless of which side of the political spectrum they support, members of the pulpit should not take an approach, akin to that of the friar from the Summoner's tale but instead should strengthen the moral fibre of society and not relent in their teachings against the social ills of our vile communities.”
Patrick said it was encouraging to see that the MMD was reorganising itself in readiness for 2011 election.
“For instance, Dora Siliya, as party spokesperson brings with her immense experience in the field of communications, and I am sure she will do us proud. Likewise Honourable Vernon Mwaanga, it really is a long sunset but his political expertise is invaluable,” Patrick said. “I'm not privy to decisions made by NEC national executive committee and as such I don't know whether recent developments pertaining to the composition of NEC are an indication that we won't have a convention before 2011 or otherwise but either way all party members must rally behind the leadership and support them.”
Patrick observed that at this stage of the political climate, it was important that MMD members made collective decisions in the best interest of the party.
“For example, we must do away with personal feuds like those exhibited by honourable George Mpombo and honourable Mike Mulongoti. It's a new year, what happened last year is done. The chapter is closed. It goes without saying that we need each other to ensure a sweet victory next year,” Patrick said.
“At the same time we must encourage our national secretary to ensure the party is more militant at grassroot level. Last year's poor showing at local government level during the by-elections must not repeat itself because come 2011 that is where the votes will count.”
Patrick said President Rupiah Banda and Patriotic Front's (PF) Michael Sata were “a last of a dying breed”.
“Our political leaders in general are not focussing on the bigger picture; they are preoccupied about who will be in Plot 1 at the end of 2011. Casual analysis would have us believe that our leaders are concerned with the plight of the masses and one may be forgiven to think that they care for the ordinary Zambian citizen,” Patrick said. “However, in my judgment the opposite is true. It is my understanding that our country's political system does not stress the primacy of collective goals over individual goals.
With due respect to President Banda and Mr Michael Sata, Zambia yearns for modern political leadership where politics is of representative democracy, and not the emphasis of an individual's freedom in his or her economic and political pursuits. There is no denying that these leaders are a last of a dying breed, and we are allowing ourselves to be consumed by their subjective philosophies across the political arena.”
Patrick observed that President Banda and Sata had their own outlook on governance, one which suggests that a ruling class was a prerequisite for effective governance and one which suggests that efficient governance was only possible if power was vested in the proletariat working class.
“It is not uncommon for a ruling party to patronise government business so long as you can account for it, neither is there a problem in a government of the day controlling national assets.
The problem is, these styles of governance are colonial styles of governance, which have no time and place in this age of globalisation,” Patrick said. “This is not a time where a select few are educated and entrusted with bringing development to a nation, neither is it a time where you can chant cha cha cha against a white face advocating for change.”
Patrick observed that nowadays, to be effective and efficient, there was need to engage everyone.
“Yes, our politics are entrenched in the philosophy of humanism and this is a culture we must respect but culture is not a constant as it evolves over time. This, however, is not to say that the wisdom of the old must be neglected but instead must be respected,” Patrick said. “I say this because in 1995 when the late Chama Chakomboka told this nation we had oil in Zambia we all laughed and today we are at the mercy of neo-colonialists who once subserved the needs of the subject lands to their own demands.”
Patrick said the styles of governance on offer by President Banda and Sata were deficient in understanding that there was a correlation between culture and national competitive advantage.
“That is to say they lack the foresight that the culture of a country influences the cost of doing business in that country. Moreover, the costs of doing business in our country influence the ability of firms to establish a competitive advantage in the global market place,” Patrick said.
“That being said, it would be interesting to hear the views of the UPND leadership after learning that their counterparts in the pact will pursue a policy of nationalisation once in power. Zambia is accustomed to a socialist dispensation but the driving force of our economy is anchored on capitalist principles, and I believe this is one of the reasons my party MMD carries the day at election time.”
On MMD self-confessed gang-rapists' threats to rape Nawakwi, Patrick expressed dismay.
“As a youth, I am very disappointed to see that my brothers are being involved in violence and abusive language towards leaders of our society. It was distasteful to learn that my brothers issued derogatory remarks to FDD President Edith Nawakwi,” said Patrick. “Conversely, leaders of an honourable standing must refrain from engaging in violent behaviour because as a youth it prompts the question as to whether honourable citizens appreciate the fact that we perceive them as our role models.
More so, are they aware that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow? And I wish to appeal to the law enforcement wings to efficiently and effectively sensitise the nation against political violence.”
Labels: CHILUBA, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Decision to award Chongwe $6.7m as compensation is illogical – Patrick
By George Chellah
Thu 17 Dec. 2009, 04:01 CAT
PATRICK Mwanawasa has described the government's decision to award Lusaka lawyer Dr Rodger Chongwe US $6.7million as compensation for the 1997 Kabwe shooting incident as illogical.
And Patrick has urged the government to give a firm position on the Chongwe fiasco, wondering why the Ministry of Justice is silent over the issue. In a media statement, Patrick stated that he had followed the events surrounding the Chongwe fiasco with keen interest.
“I am of the view that the decision to award Dr. Chongwe US $6.7 million in damages following the 1997 Kabwe shooting incident was not done in good faith,” Patrick, who is late president Levy Mwanawasa's eldest son said.
“I cannot think of a logical reason as to why a poor country like ours can award an astronomical sum of money to one individual, regardless of whether we may have US$1.7bn in foreign reserves. Government is sued on a daily basis by individuals who have been aggrieved by actions of the police, public servants, government officials and judgments have also been entered based on principles which by far contradict those of Dr. Chongwe's decision, nonchalantly I ask, what is so special about Dr Chongwe?
“It is my understanding that a case of this nature lies in the realm of tort, and as such must be treated as a tortuous liability case. Damages of this nature, except those of pure economic loss, are never liquidated.”
Patrick stated that it was perplexing to note how a foreign judgment of US $45 million involving Chiluba and others could not be registered in Zambia but against all odds that of Dr Chongwe has seemingly been granted.
“We are a sovereign nation, that is to say we have our own laws. The process of registering a foreign judgment is a stringent one, need I remind the power brokers that to date we have still not registered judge Smith's findings on Dr Chiluba as decided in the London High Court,” Patrick stated.
“I have noted with incredulity how Dr Chongwe has attributed his misfortunes (stemming from the Kabwe incident) to Dr Mwanawasa (MHSRIP) in the disguise of a surrogate agent, tasked to pervert the course of justice and I quote; '….Mr Mwanawasa was given lock, stock and barrel to the Zambian People by Mr Chiluba and it is not surprising that he adopted the lies of Mr Chiluba….and the way the UN conducted its hearing about this event'.
“Like any good lawyer albeit exceptional advocate, our late President was a reasonable man, and I disagree with assertions that suggest to the contrary. Dr Mwanawasa was not given to the Zambian people by Mr. Chiluba, rather the electorate (voters) gave Mwanawasa to the Zambian people,” Patrick stated.
“As a man who stood for justice, respected the due process of the law and as the custodian of the people's mandate, I fully appreciate our late President's decision to award Dr Chongwe only sixty thousand dollars of public funds. It is also sad that Dr Chongwe has also seized this moment to belittle our intelligence services, an act which can amount to treason especially that he fled the country unceremoniously. He must be reminded that it was this same intelligence service which facilitated his repatriation back to Zambia.”
Patrick stated that Dr Chongwe should acknowledge that the UN Human Rights Committee only monitors implementation of the International Convenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by its member States of which Zambia is a part.
“The implementation of The convenant, and decisions of the human rights committee thereof is left solely to the member states as enshrined in the ICCPR article 2 subsection 3, thus dispelling any notion that the UN Human Rights Committee acted improperly or that the US$5.9 million in damages is justified. Anybody who cares to understand the work of the UN and how it operates shall appreciate that this information is not privy to government alone but is their for everyone's convenience,” he stated.
Patrick explained that the nation had a classic example of UNZA students who were shot and not compensated.
“Most recently, a CBU (Copperbelt University) student was shot and received severe injuries worse than those of Dr Chongwe. Can our Minister of Justice, His Honour the Vice-President tell us how much they are willing to pay him and we trust it will be in the range of US $6.7 million? What is startling about the way this matter has been handled by our government is the mute approach adopted by the Ministry of Justice as a whole, which has resulted in citizens not being informed as to what has actually transpired,” Patrick stated.
He begged that the government gives the country a firm position.
“And I speak as such because the home affairs minister has informed the nation that the President is seeking legal advice, the Ministry of Justice is silent over this issue and the President appears to suggest that he has not given anyone instructions. Reading what Dr Chongwe gave in his statement on Sunday 13 December, it is clear that they were meetings held between the President Mr Rupiah Banda, Hon George Kunda and Dr Chongwe himself, whose details are not known,” Patrick stated.
“It is, however, encouraging to note that the Republican President has stated that he is trying his best to keep the stability of the government as leveled as his late brother left it, and pertinent to the matter at hand, it is even more refreshing that our President has stated that only a mad man can permit US $6.7 million to be paid to an individual using 'public funds'. It is only my hope that statements attributed to our Republican President were accurately quoted.”
Labels: PATRICK MWANAWASA, ROGER CHONGWE
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People have lost confidence in MMD – Patrick
By Chibaula Silwamba
Wed 25 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
MMD has lost the confidence of the masses, late president Levy Mwanawasa's eldest son Patrick has observed.
And Patrick said his father's fight against corruption must not be limited to the failed conviction of former president Frederick Chiluba but must also be understood against the convictions of the defence chiefs and several other public servants including Dr Kashiwa Bulaya.
In an interview on Sunday, Patrick observed that the MMD’s defeat in the Solwezi Central parliamentary by-election must be treated as a protest vote.
“We must, as a party harmonise the contentious issues that are affecting our popularity like that of the convention and internal mudslinging. The Solwezi loss must be treated as a protest vote,” Patrick said.
“The hour has come for us to rethink our strategy. Why can't we market the achievements we scored whilst Levy was in office? Why can't we remind the people that in the late finance minister Ronald Penza the MMD government managed to establish sound economic benefits? Why can't we honour fearless MMD members like the late Paul Tembo and the late Baldwin Nkumbula as a way of reminding Zambians as to why we are a great party?”
Patrick said there was no need for MMD members to continue bickering.
“Time is not with us, let us not discredit Levy, instead we should call our princess back to duty, and I do not mean Tshala Muana, but Princess Nakatindi Wina. After all, her late brother-in-law Arthur Wina was the brains behind our party's economic policies. Why are we weakening in Western Province?
Is Aka telling us we can't call upon Keli Walubita to get us organised? Bo Mubukwanu ki sikamani? Mr Mubukwanu what is happening? Bo Namakando alu sebezeni hamoho. Mr Simasiku Namakando let us work together,” Patrick said. “In a year's time our party will be celebrating 20 years of its existence and 20 years in power. We cannot afford to start creating divisions internally and externally.
It's nearly 20 years to the day when Fred M'membe brought the first batch of MMD cards from South Africa. Mr editor sir, this is the party you also helped form. I ask where is the beef? I also reminisce a humble Elias Chipimo Sr and Remmy Mushota discussing in detail how best to deliver the northern vote with an attentive Mbita Chitala.
“Indeed we have come a long way; the name MMD from Kitwe to Mwinilunga was synonymous with the financial muscle of Ben Mwila, Humphrey Mulemba and Danny Kalenga.”
Patrick said there was no way the people of Southern Province were going to let the MMD fall when one of their greatest sons, Anderson Mazoka, earned his first political stripes from within the MMD.
“If he were alive a great statesman like Alfeyo Hambayi could have backed me on this,” Patrick said. “We have lost the confidence of the masses, one charismatic leader should be humble enough, to get off the higher pedestal and apologise unreservedly to the proletariat for betraying them during his time in office. The hour has come for this gentleman to inspire our longtime allies, the congress of trade unions, so that they may persuade the workers to vote blue once again. Failure to this, he will always be a spent force!”
Patrick urged the Church to guide Zambian politicians.
“1Timothy 6:12 says fight the good fight of the faith.. I beg our party cadres to desist from politics of violence, it gives the party a wrong image. I quote the scripture of 2Timothy 2:10 'Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal Glory'. From this standpoint I implore the Church to give guidance to our leaders so that they in turn may curtail this political violence,” Patrick said.
On the fight against corruption and Transparency International Zambia's attribution of Zambia's slight improvement in its 2009 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) to the late Mwanawasa's efforts, Patrick said contrary to the assertions of certain political Pharisees, he was impressed with the strides Zambia had made in the fight against corruption.
“And TIZ must be commended for the good work they have done over the years. TIZ have every right to attribute the developments against graft to Levy Mwanawasa,” Patrick said. “May I remind my elders that prior to Dr Mwanawasa's time in office, our party in government failed to implement the same policy on corruption, hence the resignation of one Levy Patrick Mwanawasa and one Ludwig Sondashi.
Moreover, the yardstick must not be limited to the failed conviction of Dr. Chiluba but also to the convictions of the defence chiefs and several other public servants need I mention Kashiwa Bulaya.”
Patrick observed that Vice-President George Kunda and parliamentary chief whip Vernon Mwaanga were trying to mislead the nation by claiming that the success anti-corruption crusade should not be attributed to one individual, the late Mwanawasa.
“Whilst I concur with my honourable elders, messrs George Kunda and Vernon Mwaanga as regards the MMD's policy on corruption, I tend to disagree with them that kudos must not be attributed to Levy Mwanawasa alone,” Patrick said.
“Yes, 80 per cent of the current Cabinet must share into the successes scored by Dr Mwanawasa, and the principle of collective responsibility corroborates this assertion, but the said honourable members of parliament would be misleading, not the electorate but the nation by stating that the party policy is directly responsible for these achievements.
“I venture to believe that it is this nefarious attitude of beating a dead horse which is responsible for our party's woes. We have just lost two by elections and congratulations are in order to the UPND for winning the Solwezi Central seat.”
Patrick also said Kafulafuta member of parliament George Mpombo could not be naive to cause a by-election barely a year before the 2011 elections.
“With what authority does the PF Patriotic Front leader Mr Michael Sata use when he suggests the PF-UPND pact is coming to take over Kafulafuta because the last time I checked ba mwisho ba Mpombo ba iminine pe ticket ya ba MMD. uncle Mpombo stood on MMD ticket. Na nemo Christmas inga yatatika ndekonkela abakwabesu inkepushe inge fyo mulelabila fya cine. When Christmas time comes, I will follow my relatives to ask whether what you are saying is true,” Patrick said.
“I also implore my honourable elder George Mpombo to shed some light on this development, because as far as I'm concerned he is still MMD and I don't think he can be callow to force a by-election only a year before the tripartite vote.”
Patrick said some people might be offended with his political views while others might not like his affiliation with the MMD.
“But let it be known that I do this not because I am Patrick Mwanawasa but because I have a conviction that my political activities are not a challenge but a dedication to a much maligned segment of our society, the youth,” said Patrick.
“I do this for the 200 uninspired grade seven students who opted to pick caterpillars rather than write their exams.
I do this for the thousand intellectuals from UNZA University of Zambia to CBU Copperbelt University grinding with their books till the early hours of the morning. I do this for my brothers at InterCity bus terminus who help our mothers get onto the buses day in and day out.
I do this for my brothers and sisters who work the 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to ensure our country has a prosperous economy. To these I dedicate my struggle.
The festive season is upon us, to every man, woman and child of this, our great nation Zambia I wish you a merry Christmas and successful 2010.
Labels: BY-ELECTIONS, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Patrick warns of 2011 bloodbath
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 11 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT [
LATE president Levy Mwanawasa's son Patrick has warned of a bloodbath during the 2011 general elections if the current political violence in the country is not controlled.
Featuring on MUVI Television's Matter At Hand programme in Lusaka yesterday, Patrick called on all political leaders not only to condemn violence but also put measures in place to stop the act.
"Our leaders, if they are really active, they should come out and condemn the violence and say this violence is wrong, let us stop it. One of the leaders has actually not said anything about this violence, they are just dodging the issue of political violence,” Patrick said.
“But if we are not careful in 2011 this violence we see now is going to escalate into a bloodbath."
And Patrick said his concerns about the situation in the MMD have been misunderstood by the party leadership. He said he meant well whenever he spoke about the shortcomings in the ruling party.
"I think the whole issue about me attacking the ruling party has been misunderstood. I'm not attacking, but I'm really concerned about the direction the party is taking and the strategy that we are going to adopt in 2011. Let it be known that I'm alive to the fact that one can make a mistake, but it would be folly for one to repeat the mistake," Patrick said.
Asked by the presenter if his intention to stand in Kafulafuta Constituency was meant to unsettle the current member of parliament George Mpombo, Patrick answered in the negative.
"Kafulafuta Constituency has got some historical and sentimental value to me and my family. You may know that Teka Farm, which is a family farm, is actually in the heart of Kafulafuta.
And even in 2006 I wanted to stand in Kafulafuta but my father told me to go elsewhere. So, it's not a case of taking on Honourable Mpombo. In fact, Honourable Mpombo has declared that he doesn't want to go for another term after 2011," said Patrick.
Labels: ELECTIONS, PATRICK MWANAWASA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE
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Patrick is welcome to stand as Kafulafuta MP, says Kaande
By Chibaula Silwamba
Thu 29 Oct. 2009, 04:01 CAT
PATRICK Mwanawasa is welcome to stand as Kafulafuta member of parliament, ruling MMD deputy national secretary Jeff Kaande said yesterday. Commenting on late president Levy Mwanawasa’s son Patrick’s statement that it was inevitable for him to join active politics and he would stand as Kafulafuta member of parliament in future, Kaande said it would be good for Patrick to join politics at an early age.
“If the guy has decided to be a politician, let him come here at the MMD secretariat and buy a card and we make him a member. Then he can go through the mill rather than just start from an anthill,” said Kaande in an interview.
Asked if Patrick did not have an MMD membership card, Kaande said: “I am not sure if he is card-holding member but he is not any of the party officials that can say what he is saying. But he has got an opinion.”
He said Patrick like any other person was free to join the MMD.
“We will welcome anybody who wants to be a member of the party. We will not chase anybody. Politics is about numbers,” Kaande said. “And if the people of Kafulafuta feel it is Patrick they want, they will tell us and if that is what they want, we will give them.”
Contrary to MMD acting spokesperson Mike Mulongoti’s assertions that Patrick was young, Kaande said it was good to join politics when one is still young.
“In fact for me, people who start at an early stage in politics it’s a good thing. I personally started politics when I was 15 and I have grown through it. So if Patrick can do the same it’s quite good. He is welcome,” said Kaande.
“We have the George Chulumundas who are young men in their prime youth being Cabinet ministers. So we do welcome that, definitely!”
In an interview on Tuesday, 26-year-old Patrick, the eldest son of Mwanawasa, said he had a burning desire to join active politics especially that his father died while on duty.
“I do have political ambitions and as far as I am concerned there will come a time in future that I will stand as Kafulafuta member of parliament. I have got that burning desire I shared with my father of helping out the people of Zambia and much more so now that he died whilst he was on duty. I think that it is inevitable,” Patrick said.
“If people are already plotting my downfall then let them go ahead. But as far as I am concerned, God will always be with me and the future is still bright for me.”
Patrick rebuffed statements that he was too young to engage in active politics.
“I was born on 8th March, 1983 and now I am 26 years old. I don’t know, maybe you can refresh my memory. How old was Vernon Mwaanga when he became a politician? How old was our current President, President Rupiah Banda when he joined politics? So are they just expecting me to bottle up all my beliefs in a bottle of whisky or just go and stand by the corner in Northmead over there and not let my voice be heard by the people? I have a voice and it shall be heard even if it means me losing my life, so be it, so God help me!” Patrick said.
When reminded that President Banda had said he joined politics when he was 17 years old, Patrick wondered why people were now saying he was too young when the current President joined politics when he was younger than he is.
“What are they scared of? If they have any programmes to neutralise me, let them go ahead,” said Patrick. “I mean, there is a saying that ‘in politics you can get shot 100 times and still survive but in war you can get shot once and you can die’. So this is politics and this is the first shot from Chiluba’s son Miko. I am game!”
Labels: ELECTIONS, JEFF KAANDE, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Miko Chiluba defends his father’s ‘integrity’
By Chibaula Silwamba
Wed 28 Oct. 2009, 04:00 CAT
FORMER president Frederick Chiluba's son Miko yesterday said Patrick Mwanawasa's remarks against his father were disrespectful and a direct betrayal to the former head of state. But Patrick said he had not shown any ingratitude to Chiluba though he had concerns about his party, the MMD.
Reacting to late president Levy Mwanawasa's son, Patrick's statement that Chiluba is a spent force in active politics and his contribution to the ruling MMD is destructive rather than constructive, Miko said Patrick was in a hurry to be famous but he was doing it the wrong way.
“For some reason or the other he decides to pick on a man that has had some influence on his life. His father was not elected to the position of president; he was handpicked by my father. So whatever Patrick has gained, he still remains a direct beneficiary to my father's goodwill. In that case I expect him to just keep his peace and be respectful.
You know what I mean? This is just a way of advising my young brother,” said 40-year-old Miko in an interview at The Post offices in Lusaka. “Patrick's remarks are a direct betrayal. That is how I feel. The young man has overstepped his boundaries. He is a young man. He will do well to pick his words and be a little bit respectful. You know what I mean? It seems he is in a hurry to be famous but he is doing it the wrong way.”
When reminded that Patrick, 26, was older than Jean, a 23-year-old son of French President Nicholas Sarkozy, who is a councillor and was vying for the presidency of EPAD, a quasi-government agency overseeing development in a French district, though he withdrew due to political opposition, and therefore some people could argue that even Patrick could engage in politics, Miko sharply responded: “Is he Sarkozy's son Jean being disrespectful to the elder statesmen? That is the question!”
But reminded that this reporter was posing that question to him in an effort to contextualise the arguments on whether Patrick was too young to participate in a political debate, Miko responded: “I know, I know. I know why you are asking.”
After Miko's response, Chiluba's press aide Emmanuel Mwamba chipped in, saying that Miko had answered the question very well.
“I think let us stick to the written statement,” Miko insisted.
According to his written statement, Miko stated that he was surprised by Patrick's remarks against his father.
“I have noticed with sadness that Patrick has continued to issue careless and irresponsible statements on the pretext that he is defending and upholding the legacy of his father. My humble view is that the legacy, works and contributions that our fathers made as Republican presidents will be recognised by the people of Zambia. We as children and interested parties should be the last to promote their good image,” Miko stated. “Patrick is literally my young brother and I feel justified to reprimand him and I feel obliged to rebuke this clear misconduct.”
He said it was inappropriate and irresponsible for Patrick, a child, to issue such remarks against someone who is literally his father.
“With these remarks Patrick disrespected himself and his own late father by speaking against Dr Chiluba and Mr George Kunda in this manner. Young people should break from the past by conducting themselves in a manner that does not promote insults and divisions but instead try to bring unity where there were divisions, healing where there were rifts and pain, and friendship where enmity existed.”
Miko said as far as he knew, Mwanawasa could not have become president of Zambia if Chiluba had not played the pivotal role he did in the late president's life.
He said Patrick should also learn the circumstances that allowed Mwanawasa to become Republican president.
“In 2001, Mr Mwanawasa was an ordinary member of the MMD and was not even in line of succession for the party president. He was not part of the NEC MMD's national executive committee. He was a mere ordinary member of the MMD,” Miko said. “Dr Chiluba promoted his candidature in the party and later in the country.
With the help of the people of Zambia, Mr Mwanawasa became Republican President. Clearly, Mr Mwanawasa was not even a political force at all! Yet Patrick and others are quick to embrace this presidency and enjoyed great benefits that come with such a position while insulting those that made it possible for them to be where they are.”
Miko said he was usually surprised that to a large extent, some members of the Mwanawasa family fail to express their gratitude where it was due.
“I will not, however, ask Patrick and others to show open gratitude to my father for the cardinal role he played in their lives and his immense contributions to this country. It will not be my duty to ask them to recognise my father's contributions but I pray that their conscience will probe them to recognise the truth,” Miko said. “Therefore, Patrick should not continue with activities that are destined to destroy his life.”
Miko said he held very strong feelings against Mwanawasa's rule.
Miko said if Patrick wished to join politics, he must get his act together.
But in an interview yesterday, Patrick said he had always been grateful to Chiluba for whatever he had done for the Mwanawasas.
“I am not showing any ingratitude to Dr Chiluba but rather I have got concerns for my party. This is the party that I love so dearly. I love it so dearly because in 1991 I nearly lost my father at a tender age and that is why I love my party so dearly. I feel so passionate about Dr Chiluba because he was the real man who saved my father's life but at the same time let us be honest. And I want people to understand me perfectly well on this issue.
Let us be honest, Dr Chiluba is not well at present. He just came back from South Africa because he was ill. Why does NEC want to push Dr Chiluba so far into politics? Can't they at least allow him to enjoy his retirement instead of them pushing him into politics this far?” Patrick asked. “In fact, I do recall that Dr Kenneth Kaunda never received his benefits for the entire 10 year period that Dr Chiluba was our president.
He Dr Kaunda was entitled to those benefits as the former president but he didn't receive them. Dr Chiluba argued that it was because he was in politics. But my father never took away those benefits from Dr Chiluba although he was active in politics.” He said when Chiluba supported the Patriotic Front in 2006 elections, nobody condemned him.
“My father allowed him to continue going about his political business and when he fell ill he was quickly allowed to go to South Africa. I am not saying these things should cancel themselves in terms of the way Dr Chiluba looked after my father when he was ill. I am just saying the things that have happened in the past should not preoccupy us right now but what should preoccupy us right now is where our party is headed in the future. I think that is a reasonable approach that I am trying to bring out to the people of Zambia,” Patrick said.
He said he would take Miko's advice as far as he thought it was reasonable.
“But I don't think he should be quick to judge me on the face of the headline he saw in The Post newspaper. I would rather he takes time to read the whole article that was published by The Post newspaper,” he said. “If Dr Chiluba is offended by my remarks I am sorry but I am just concerned about him.”
Patrick said there was no bad blood between the Chiluba and Mwanawasa families.
“I very much appreciate what Dr Chiluba and his family have done for our family and at the same time I want to appreciate what Dr Chiluba did while in office. But what us the youths must come to understand is that our forefathers or our veteran leaders in MMD will not be there forever in our party,” Patrick said.
He dismissed allegations that he was being sponsored to make political statements.
“Those are flimsy allegations… people know that I have been to university. I studied law before, I was not successful and that is not a secret at all, but I have been successful in my business administration studies. I have garnered so much knowledge and if you go to England where I was, there books are cheap and knowledge is free so I became a product of my own environment. Do they mean that in my five years whilst I was in England I was not able to have the specific knowledge and articulate talent to know what is happening in our country and to even talk the way I have been speaking in The Post newspaper? Of course not! This has always been me,” Patrick said.
“I have not been sponsored by anybody. Maybe there is something I don't know. Maybe they should come to the fore and tell the people of Zambia, who has been sponsoring me because me, I am not aware of being sponsored by anyone.”
Asked if he had ambitions to join active politics, Patrick said that was inevitable.
“Amos Malupenga wrote a fantastic book about my father's life and if those people that are raising these statements can take time to actually digest what was written in that book, they will come to realise that of course I do have political ambitions and as far as I am concerned there will come a time in future that I will stand as Kafulafuta member of parliament.
I have got that burning desire I shared with my father of helping out the people of Zambia and much more so now that he died whilst he was on duty. I think that it is inevitable,” Patrick said. “If people are already plotting my downfall, then let them go ahead. But as far as I am concerned, God will always be with me and the future is still bright for me.”
He dismissed assertions that he was too young to join politics.
“I was born on 8th March, 1983 and now I am 26 years old. I don't know maybe you can refresh my memory. How old was Vernon Mwaanga when he became a politician? How old was our current President, President Rupiah Banda when he joined politics? So are they just expecting me to bottle up all my beliefs in a bottle of whisky or just go and stand by the corner in Northmead over there and not let my voice be heard by the people? I have a voice and it shall be heard even if it means me losing my life, so be it, so God help me!” Patrick said.
When reminded that President Banda had said he joined politics when he was 17 years old, Patrick wondered why people were now saying he was too young when the current President joined politics when he was younger than he is.
“What are they scared of? If they have any programmes to neutralise me, let them go ahead,” said Patrick. “I mean, there is a saying that, 'in politics you can get shot 100 times and still survive but in war you can get shot once and you can die'. So this is politics and this is the first shot from Chiluba's son. I am game!”
Labels: CHILUBA, MIKO CHILUBA, MWANAWASA, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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Chiluba remains mute on Patrick’s remarks
By Chibaula Silwamba
Tue 27 Oct. 2009, 04:01 CAT
FORMER president Frederick Chiluba yesterday remained mute on remarks by late president Levy Mwanawasa's eldest son Patrick that he Chiluba is a spent force in active politics and his contribution to the MMD is destructive rather than constructive.
When this reporter approached him and asked for his comment on Patrick's remarks, shortly after his return from Johanesburg in South Africa where he had gone for medical review, Chiluba said, “No! No!” while stretching his hand signaling his refusal to comment on the issue.
Earlier, Chiluba's spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba apologised to the journalists that the former president would not talk to them.
Concurring with Mwamba's announcement, Chiluba said: “I will just wave at thing.”
A horde of pastors, bishops, reverends, some ordinary Zambians and a choir, were at the airport to welcome Chiluba.
Chiluba is expected to go back to South Africa in December.
Later, when approached, Mwamba declined to comment on Patrick's statement against Chiluba.
“No! We can't comment on Patrick,” said Mwamba. “Even you guys how could you even give him a lead story?”
On Saturday, Patrick said Chiluba was not adding value to the MMD.
Labels: CHILUBA, PATRICK MWANAWASA
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