BEMBA CHIEFS FUME

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 11:02:39 +0000

…There is nothing sinister about “Uubomba Mwibala, alya mwibala” statement

By AARON CHIYANZO

DOOMSAYERS are misguided about President Edgar Lungu’s “Uubomba Mwibala, alya mwibala” statement because the saying in its natural sense does not encourage looting, Bemba chiefs have clarified.

Chiefs Chikwanda and Luchembe of Mpika have said people who did not understand the language or who were not experts should consult the custodians of the tradition and language for clarification on the meaning of the old saying.

“Why are they distorting our tradition mwebantu, muletekanya. People should not get excited over nothing. Why are we misinterpreting simple straight language? If you are not an expert, its better you ask,” said chief Luchembe.

President Lungu’s Bemba adage during his visit on the Copperbelt has raised dust especially among opposition leaders who are accusing the Head of State of encouraging corruption in his government.

Bemba traditional leaders have however clarified that the saying had been misconstrued as it did not in any slightest sense mean that someone should reap where they did not sow.

Both Chief Chikwanda and Luchembe said that there was nothing unholy about the President’s statement and did not encourage corruption in any way.

Chief Luchembe explained that people should not distort tradition. He explained that in old days, someone should expect to get what was due to them and not more than that. He advised that non-experts in the language should not alarm the nation over nothing by screaming out wrong things.

The chiefs explained in separate interviews that President Lungu was actually issuing a stern warn to government officials that they should not extend their hands to what did not belong to them.

“The President if you heard him he clearly said ‘‘Lelo batila tekulya imbuto iyo’’ (They say don’t eat even the seed), this is the part opposition leaders are deliberately leaving out.

What he was trying to do was to warn officials that they should not get what does not belong to them,” said chief Chikwanda. Chief Chikwanda reiterated that saying was clear that the President was aiming at warning corrupt elements in government, not the opposite.

He said that people were just failing deliberately  to understand the meaning of the saying as the Head of State did not in any way encourage corruption.

Chief Chikwanda reiterated that being a Bemba chief, he clearly understood the adage, emphasizing that there was nothing sinister about President Lungu’s statement.

Meanwhile, Chief Luchembe advised doomsayers to give President Lungu chance to do his work and not frustrate his efforts.

He reiterated that the President was trying hard to fight corruption and should be supported by all well-meaning Zambians.

He said, it was Mr Lungu’s time to rule and that should be respected.