Opposition leader Nevers Mumba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) says Fr Frank Bwalya’s decision to resign his position as a boardmember on ZESCO is a wake-up call to the ruling Patriotic Front government.
Fr Bwalya, who had been a strong PF supporter, resigned this weekend, saying he wanted to “reclaim his voice” and distance himself from what he says is an increasingly disorderly administration.
Mumba said Fr Bwalya had taken a brave stance and deserved kudos.
“What Father Bwalya has done deserves commendation he has taken a brave decision by searching within himself,” he said.
In recent months, a number of Zambia’s parastatal companies have been experiencing signficant economic and managerial challenges, including the recent suspension of the board at Zambia Railways Limited. Since being elected president in 2011, Michael Sata has sought to carve out a larger role for the state in the economy, as a number of companies were expropriated and re-nationalized. However, his critics accuse him of appointing youth cadres to important positions throughout the parastatals who may not have the training or experience to successful manage the companies.
“It is a clear sign that things are not well and that burying heads in the sand cannot work,” Dr. Mumba said of Fr Bwalya’s resignation.
Mumba said the PF should seriously reflect on their conduct and correct their wrongs.
After Fr Bwalya resigned his position as boardmember, he says that the PF have been shunning him.
He also apologized to opposition leaders Nevers Mumba and Hakainde Hichilema for not speaking up when they were arrested on politically motivated charges, and said that he rejected this kind of politically motivated persecution that was damaging Zambia’s business reputation.
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