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President Sata on Monday met chiefs, mostly from North Western province, to solicit support after he pressurised MMD MPs from the region to quit and create room for by-elections.
The PF is seeking to boost its numbers in the house and has pounced on some hungry MMD souls in parliament to help them meet their target.
Those MPs targeted such as Richard Taima, David Phiri and Patrick Ngoma, among others have since been appointed to inferior deputy minister position.
Below is a statement by Sata’s mouthpiece George Chellah on the chiefs meeting.
PRESIDENT SATA MEETS 17 CHIEFS
LUSAKA, Monday, November 19, 2012 – His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, today met 17 chiefs from North-western, Eastern and Lusaka Provinces.
The chiefs who held a closed-door meeting with the Head of State at State House this afternoon include senior chief Ndungu [Zambezi], senior chief Sikufelo [Kabompo], senior chief Mujimanzovu [Solwezi], senior chief Kasempa [Kasempa], senior chief Kalilele [Solwezi], chief Chizela [Mufumbwe], chief Ntambu [Mwinilunga], chief Mumena [Solwezi], chieftainess Nyakuleng’a [Zambezi], chieftainess Ikeleng’i [Ikeleng’i], chief Chikola [Solwezi], chief Mulonga [Solwezi], chief Munsaka [Solwezi], senior chief Mburuma [Luangwa], chief Mphuka [Luangwa], chief Mbangombe [Katete] and chief Khatumba [Katete].
During the meeting the traditional leaders thanked the President for the opportunity to discuss with them several matters pertaining to the welfare of the country. The chiefs pledged total support to President Sata’s administration in pursuit of the country’s development agenda.
The traditional leaders also expressed gratitude to the to the Head of State for establishing the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs as well as appointing opposition MMD Members of Parliament as deputy ministers in the PF Government.
The chiefs requested President Sata to address the various challenges facing their chiefdoms especially in sectors such as education, infrastructure, health and the road network.
The chiefs further asked the Head of State to initiate and finance tangible capital projects in their provinces and expedite the electrification and provision of mobile telephone network to their palaces.
In response, President Sata assured the chiefs that the PF Government is determined to ensure that resources are allocated to all areas of needy countrywide.
President Sata emphasised the need for constant engagements between the Government and the traditional leadership in the country.
“You [traditional leaders] are a vital component in the governance of the country and there is a lot we can achieve together if we develop a culture of constant interaction. This is your place so feel free to submit your proposals and suggestions as and when need arises,” President Sata said.
“As a person who fully understands and appreciates tradition and culture, I am convinced that our chiefs will only be respected by the general populace if we the politicians look after them accordingly.”
The meeting was also attended by chiefs and traditional affairs deputy minister Hon. Susan Kawandami, tourism deputy minister Hon. David Phiri, education deputy minister Hon. Patrick Ngoma, commerce deputy minister Hon. Richard Taima, North-western Province minister Hon. Stephen Masumba, Kabompo MMD Member of Parliament Hon. Danny Ching’imbu and North-western Province permanent secretary Augustine Seyuba.
Issued by:
George Chellah
Special Assistant to the President (Press and Public Relations)