Thu, 25 Jan 2018 07:20:19 +0000
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH
CHIEF Mibenge has disowned Harry Kalaba saying he will not be part of a clique of selfish elements championing the agenda of the Bahati MP because he was still a staunch supporter of the PF government and President Edgar Lungu.
And following a joint council meeting chiefs in Luapula province, have issued a statement disassociating themselves from media reports purporting that the traditional leaders were backing were backing Mr Kalaba.
The chiefs, speaking through their Chairman Chief Mwewa told Zambia National Broadcasting Services (ZNBC) that the chiefs had never sat to agree on a position to support Mr Kalaba as reported by the media.
Chief Mibenge told the Daily Nation yesterday that Mr Kalaba should leave him out of his plans because he was loyal to the President.
And Chief Mibenge has cautioned traditional leaders in Luapula Province against being used by power hungry politicians to frustrate the government.
In an interview with the Daily Nation from his palace yesterday, Chief Mibenge of Mansa, said traditional leaders who were championing the agenda of Mr Kalaba or the opposition did not care about the wellbeing of their subjects.
“I wish to state that I am 100 percent in support of President Lungu’s administration. President Lungu has done a lot for my chiefdom. So it will be unfair to join the group which is suggesting otherwise.
“I want to put it on record that I am one of the flies stuck on President Lungu and PF government and ready to die with them if that’s what it will take,” declared Chief Mibenge.
The traditional leader disclosed that the majority of chiefs in the region were behind President Lungu.
“I was shocked to learn that a few of my colleagues (chiefs) have decided to turn a blind eye on the good things President Lungu is doing for our people, the development which is being delivered across the province.”
Chief Mibenge wondered who would develop the named three chiefdoms where the chiefs had allegedly denounced government in favour of Mr Kalaba, who resigned as minister of Foreign Affairs recently.
And Chief Mibenge cautioned other traditional leaders against being used by power angry politicians to frustrate the government.
“If you decide to denounce the government for reasons best known to yourself, who then will develop your chiefdom? Politicians come and go, that’s why it is important for us as chiefs to work with the President and government of the day.
Those who don’t want to work with President Lungu they don’t care about the wellbeing of their subjects. As for me, it’s President Lungu and PF government all the way,” said Chief Mibenge.
