Why do Zambians tolerate Chiluba?
By Hilary Mulenga
If former president Frederick Chiluba should be thankful to the Zambians, it is for their forgetfulness. Like it or not, Chiluba knows how to manipulate this weakness in Zambians for his own good. Apparently, he has managed to exploit those in the corridors of power, political parties (including the opposition), Churches and those in market places. As much as his opponents might whine about his tactics, Chiluba will always be Zambia’s “favorite” who always knows how to play his cards, thanks to the forgetfulness of Zambians.
Almost ten years ago, the late Levy Mwanawasa went to parliament and convinced MPs to remove Chiluba’s immunity. Many people who had realized the social and economic injustices done under Chiluba’s nose rejoiced and nearly deified late Mwanawasa for the rare and courageous move.
Alas we have forgotten: Chiluba first became dear to the opposition Patriotic Front in the midst of very serious corruption allegations. Remember those days when PF stood in solidarity with him over his corruption cases. In his own words, he complained about the current ruling party in support of PF. From his own mouth came out the words, “Twachula Pafula”. This became a favorite clique against the MMD. PF sung his praises at the Airports, Courts and in other public places. Had it not been for the ascendancy of Rupiah Banda to power, Chiluba would have become a staunch PF member!
Yet when Chiluba now turns against his PF friends in search for greener pastures, everyone seems to forget what he was before. Today, the MMD cadres sing his praises. He is dear to RB who even publicly confesses that Chiluba was a damn good president during his time. Today, he can go on ZNBC TV and make divisive allegations on innocent people. Still he gets publicity and gets away with his tactics.
It is not only the political arena where Chiluba has staged this coup on the minds of Zambians. If the rumors are correct, Chiluba is a preacher who manages to get substantial audiences. For some Churches, he is not only seen as a hero but the man who Christianized the nation. Nevertheless, those who entertain him in their Churches forget what Christianity is all about: love of God and others.
As much as one would want to respect Chiluba’s right to express himself, Zambians can only be blind to his tactics at their own peril. For Chiluba, he cannot forget that freedom goes with responsibility. What he says about others should not be for his own good or his minority but for the good of all. The very fact that he enjoys protection of the MMD and some members of some Churches, he will be always comfortable with his misdeeds.
No one has a right to judge Chiluba yet everyone should be concerned when he seems to be going astray. Yet, there is always a thin line between correcting and judging someone. As much as this author feels he is not judging him, it should be made clear that Chiluba’s misdeeds have repercussions on the populace. Zambia cannot forget that despite the peace we enjoy, there exist divisions that can be fatal if not checked in good time. If Chiluba is playing divisive games, whistle-blowers should not be afraid to put their instruments on their lips.
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I didnt know that AListoto is an ASS+HOLE. Anyway. Those are your views but get ready for a major landslide vitory for RB. I know its painful but thats the truth for now until 2016 when his term expires foerver.
Freeman on earth
Your mind is as shallow as that of a pig. Dont mix realities with your ego. People want the truth. I know that Lazo is your father, his days are numbered.
When you were celebrating the arrest of a Lazo, we were not there, your president reveled to us all the secrets involving a Lazo.
Just keep your dirty mouth shut you coward.
The article is bias and not objective. Volcanologist and other have not forgetten about Chiluba misdeed when in office as head of state. Rather has Volcanologist forgetten the misdeed of Serpet Cobra Sata, leader of PF when he was a close ally to Chiluba. Would have liked the article if it addressed the two side sides and why the clash of the two brothers in public now.
ALISTOTO CADRE
Who gave solidarity support to Levy to enable parliament strip FTJ of his immunity, was it not MMD? Who announced that FTJ was corrupt and a thief, was it not MMD? who took FTJ to court for stealing and corrupt practices, was it not MMD? Are you a normal humanbeing who can fail to reason even on simple issues?
you seem to get facts right at some point and lose the thought at others. I am not trying to vindicate Chiluba as you try to portray it but your lack of nbeing abreast with the issues worries me a lot. That shows how much foolishness is in your head. I hope you are aware that the 106 charges that were to strip off his immunity where dropped in the first one year of litigation by Mwanawasa and the Task force. I am not saying they made wrong decisions but they realised that they were frivolous and acted intially on not factual information which can stand in the courts of law. I guess this answers your first three question because all of them were a succession from the other.
who sang and danced at the court when FTJ was acquited, was it not MMD?
you are right, MMD sang and celebrated because the aim of taking Chiluba to court was not just to convict him but to find a neutral person or system to look at the issue independently and not necessary to judge him outrightly.
Did you see any kaponya there?
We didnt see Kaponyas there like you because at the time the judgment was made, you had started hating the short man. Remember you are the ones including your CONRA who were also saying he is being persecuted and the corruption fight was selective. read your facts and check history. Dull people like you do not deserve a place at times. You just think that just because someone has been taken to court then he is guilty. Thats bullshit my brother.
Pa Zed, I agree with you FTJ is a lesser evil that their reverred Sata. All the misdeeds by Sata, people have forgotten!
Kudos to you lopa for that succinct state of affairs pa zed. A brief history of Zambia’s multi-party politics. Its only true that too many citizens pa zed are suffering from amnesia.
Alistoto, keep it burning….
Freeman on earth (with a corrupt mind)
I wonder why you are so upset with my revelations, its a reality that FTJ is a thief and was very corrupt and MMD is embrassing him.
Who gave solidarity support to Levy to enable parliament strip FTJ of his immunity, was it not MMD? Who announced that FTJ was corrupt and a thief, was it not MMD? who took FTJ to court for stealing and corrupt practices, was it not MMD? who sang and danced at the court when FTJ was acquited, was it not MMD? Did you see any kaponya there? Are you a normal humanbeing who can fail to reason even on simple issues?
The reasoning power of both, you and a Lazo is nothing to be proud of
anywhere in the world, it only goes to show why this nation has lagged behind in development. You dream new styles of stealing and looting from poor Zambians.
When Levy was saying some people were frustrating his efforts in the crusade against corruption, he was referring to MMD especially those that were close to him, if you are a minister, then you are among them, you thief
Pa Zedy,whatever you call yourself,have a bunch of unsubstatiated allegations.
I really feel pity on you!
How i wish you could take your time and with no bias at all,check your facts,rather than behaving like an empty tin!!!!!!!
Zambians remember the past.
They remember 1991 and the fight against one party rule and the tenacity of the brave FTJ who stood leading MMD to victory despite threats on his life.
They remember 1993 and how FTJ looted the country whilst protecting his generals (like Sata) from prosecution for blatant theft (like Merzaf). They remember how Late Levy (MHSRIP) even resigned because of this blatant theft and protection from FTJ.
They remember 1996 and how FTJ & Sata plotted to prevent KK, the founding father of our country, from standing in the general election. They remember how Sata rejoiced when KK boycotted the election and MMD won more seats than ever before.
They remember 2001 and how this General (Sata) ordered his leutenant (Nakawala) to pick panga’s and hack voters to death during polling day in Chawama because the residents vowed to vote for ‘Change’.
They remember 2001 again and how FTJ was guided and supported by his general (Sata) to force our people to accept a 3rd term of office by amending the constitution.
They remember 2006 when Sata & PF took FTJ to all their rallies to campaign. Sata and FTJ were the closest of buddies as Sata publicly promised to pardon FTJ of his criminal offences against the people of Zambia.
They remember 2008 and how Sata began campaigning at Levy’s Funeral. They remember how Maureen had to chase the guy away for disrespecting culture and tradition.
They remember 2010 and how Sata admitted that he has failed to get the councils to deliver on their promises. They remember how he has since run away from the responsibility of reorganizing the councils and has opted to go travelling throughout Zambia. They also remember how he keeps failing to answer callers on his radio show who ask about his extramarital affair and the kids as a result of this.
Zambians dont forget. They remember!
LCC Chiluba may be he most despicable person in your eyes but that does not take away his right of expression. To think he should not talk or express hmself is being like the MMD cadres who belive that Rupiah should never be criticised or Rupiah’s competitors should never comment on his mistakes because thay have also made errors.
LCC Chiluba may be he most despicable person in your eyes but that does not take away his right of expression. To thin he should not talk or express hmself is being like the MMd acres who belive that Rupiah should never be criticised or Rupiah’s competitors should never comment on anything
Chiluba can be anything but God is there to watch over Zambia. Power comes from God & those who misuse power end up dying a desperate death. People should just be careful when participating in Chiluba’s misdids because God can push them too.
I used to believe that Chiluba was a criminal. But reading the hot anger from the Post newspaper on Chiluba everyday, i have come to understand thjat Chiluba made a few mistakes while in power but there must be something he didn’
t give the Post for them to hate him so much. Maybe it was business deals he refused to grant them. I say this during th l;ate cabbage’s rule, the Post directors become the most prominent businesmen in Zambia owning airlines, maize haulage companies, courrier companies, internet companies etc. they didn’t have these thingfs during Chiluba’s rule. They had them during Mwanawasa and they praised him left right centre. Am told these businesses have collapsed and the Post are daily attacking the current president. So this is not about Zambia. Its about money, money, money and money
Abena George are you ok.There are so many reasons why Chiluba shoud not be allowed to enjoy his freedom.
If you should be reminded he paid his Lawyers for the Presidntial petition state properties[houses] which the lawyers surrendered back to the state.Dont forget that he among othher things gave his then girlfriend Regina state property e.g the TV she was rigtly convicted for recieving stolen property.Dont forget about the tu ma suits and size 3 shoes.
Wat rubish our politics hav turned into, were u no longer know wich person is worthy of suport. I dnt like judgn n one bt frankly Chiluba is unpridictable.
There is one point everyone who has commented on this article has missed.
And that has to do with one being principled.How do you shift parties like changing pants’
Chiluba is supposed to have certain beliefs he shares with the party he belongs to
Evidently he does not he will drift to whatever side that provides him with confort.Even his wife should be worried
because he is very capable of abandoning her at the slightest excuse.I dont see him standing by her once she loses her appeal.It will be an opportunity for him to sing “ubushimbe”
Hilary Mulenga please go to a mental hospital. If you are PF don’t drag us along with you.
Leave Chiluba alone.
This article does not have much substance worth debating on. Why do we want to be choosy when condemning people. Chiluba is bad when he sides with MMD and the government but good when he sides with KAPONYA’s like Alistoto from PF. Thats BULLSHIT and NONSENSE. Lets talk about issues regardless of who he supports. And it is wrong to blantantly say Chiluba is bad and a CROOK> Do you have evidence for that assertion? The author, a Mulenga does not provide any evidence to support that claim at all. Thats poor journalism, raw journalism, jingoistic journalism, yellow journalism that does not have space in this modern age. Lets substatiate our claims logically and do not work on rumors yayi.
Ben Kangwa aka Senior Citizens, bushe inchito bakwingwisha uko ku embassy bakweba ati takuli kutusha? Here there is no mention of Sata, walipena?
Back to the topic, no, not every Zambian has short memory, only those in MMD have short memory, we are trying to remind those with short memory to say FTJ whom they are embrassing is a thief, a Lazo, a very corrupt leader.
As Zambians, we thought FTJ was a nobbleman, full of intergrity, a decent man, until when MMD through Mwanawasa revealed all statehouse house secrets and documents showing that FTJ was a Lazo, and we believed, because evidence is there. Today you same MMD are telling us FTJ is not corrupt, not a Lazo?
No, our memory is not as short as yours. Whatever Mwanawasa told and revealed about FTJ was recorded and stored in our longterm memory and will never be erased from our minds, that FTJ is a Lazo.
At the moment we dont have the means to prosecute FTJ, but time will come when that action will be made for the sake of justice. As a result of his actions, so many lives were lost, people lost employment, people didnot have access to their hard earned money, people could not go to school for lack of money, people starved, people were denied clean water, good sanitation, good health facilities, employment and a decent wage.
WITH ALL THESE CHALLENGES, YOU THINK A ZAMBIAN IS STUPID, HAS A SHORT MEMORY?
One day this boy we are praising will bring untold chaos in this nation.the boy is very evil.
The question is why did Zambians elect Chiluba as 2nd Republican President? Zambians believe in numbers, we are a docile people and wait for others to take up the task before showing our heads. We are a people that embrace mediocrity and allow ourselves to be beaten whilst we complain in our little corners. We are happy to see others fall and quick to hold on to petty things as dear, a milomax car a house in kamwala south and money to enjoy a beer.
Chiluba albeit with a push stood up to a man we all feared KK..apart from a few stalwarts like Elias Marko Chipimo senior, Peter Zuze ,late Valentine Musakanya and Nalumino Mundia..everyone else did as they were told because KK was revered as being akin to god on earth.
So this little man with the ability to speak with a nassal twang pushed aside Aka, Arthur WIna, Humphrey Mulemba and Edward Jack Shamwana..and the zambians cowards as we are set aside all measure of scrutiny and voted him enmass…we paid the price. This is much as we are doing now we know Sata, HH and RB are not the best but we shrug and say ‘what to do?’
Why are we tolerating him now? We are looking for change not in Sata, HH or RB we are jsut looking for change because once again we have suffered but we are too scared to come out of the closet hence we ‘elect’ people in power and expect the worst hoping for the best.
the blind and sick spiritually in some of these churches have fallen prey to this crook..not us..we shall always consider him a thief and convict..Zambia shall be saved someday..
” he can go on ZNBC TV and make divisive allegations on innocent people” end quote.
Hilary Mulenga,
In democracy i will personally respect your partisan errands as a bonafide PF cadre but implore you to reason.Which innocent people has FJT framed up i i may challenge your fixated statement?????
Have you forgotten that FJT has taken so much insults, defamation, slander and physical threats of PF terrorists trained in arson and petrol booms?
Have you forgotten that its after many months of being abused that in his typical gradualist temperate spirit he has only this time asked a monologue of tough questions?
What is divisive when authentic matters have been raised?
Hasn’t Sata conserted that he has two bastards with Telephord Mpundu’s sister which Mpundu has sanctified?
Doesn’t Sata record retain a certificate of jail release from his criminal conviction?
When did background information employers access become divisive?
In the USA most senstive jobs like anywhere else Zambia inclusive, security clearance is a must.The FBI, Homeland security, National and external security data files are scanned for historic and criminal records.Such fall under the security Act and are not divisive.
Are you for the ideal that criminal background check should be gotten away with?
Debate me on your myrth.
Where have been when Chiluba has been turned into insulting doll of Sata and is it criminal to raise up some fundamental question?
You have over subscribed to your cadre errands.