Former Patriotic Front supporter Father Frank Bwalya has finally announced that he will form his own political party following his resignation, complaining that President Michael Sata and the ruling Patriotic Front have “betrayed the public’s trust.”
The controversial clergyman recently quit his position as ZESCO Board Chairperson – a position given to him as a reward for supporting the PF during its time in opposition.
Fr Bwalya said he had resigned to “reclaim his voice.”
Since departing ZESCO, Fr Bwalya has aggressively criticized the regime, and has even been harassed by violent youth cadres.
And sports minister Chishimba called in on the programme saying Fr Bwalya was a mad man who wanted the PF government to help him with legal matters.
Featuring on Radio Phoenix’s Let The People Talk Fr Bwalya said he would form a political party and contest the 2016 by-elections.
He said Michael Sata was not the messiah for the Zambian people.
“We want political reforms. Mr Sata has failed us, he has failed to bring political, economic reform,” Fr Bwalya said.
“He went to State House and went to sleep. I am asking all the Bishops in this country that when we are praying arise because the country needs a new vision.”
He added: “People are prostituting themselves for money. Why would anyone want expensive by-elections? Some people fail because they promise without putting in place mechanisms.”
Fr Bwalya said his decision to contest the 2016 elections was rigid.
“I want to change ndimukalamba (I am old), if anyone just says do not stand, do not stand I won’t accept that language. I have decided to stand I can change if I find someone who respects me,” he said.
Fr Bwalya said President Sata had betrayed the people’s trust.
“Mr Sata has no vision that is why we have these problems. Some of the cabinet ministers, deputy ministers abamano will soon be resigning if they want to remain, it is their choice,” he said.
Fr Bwalya said his soon to be formed political party will never contest any by-election caused by resignations as they were tantamount to insulting the Zambian people.
“Our party will never stand in any by-election which is politically engineered but if it is caused by death will participate. It is an insult to the Zambian people,” he said.
He advised the people never to stereotype opposition leaders like the UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema.
“Do not judge HH because of what was said about him do not put people in a box. I like what he said after he was arrested on flimsy grounds.
He said I will not claim damages because it is tax payers’ money,” he said.
Fr Bwalya becomes one of many pro-Patriotic Front activists that rooted for Michael Sata during the 2011 general elections but have withdrawn their support following constant blunders by the government among them a poor human rights and governance record.
Former Cabinet Minister Mike Mulongoti withdrew his support and has since formed People’s Party political organization.
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