Zambia: Everyone Free to Mourn FJT – Ronnie

22 June 2011

The government has said no one should feel constrained to visit the house of mourning for second president of the Republic of Zambia, Frederick Chiluba on account of political or any such considerations, as security had been assured for all.

And Dr Chiluba’s family has accused Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata of using perceived harassment to boycott the funeral of the former president.

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha, who has reaffirmed Government’s call to mourn Dr Chiluba with honour and dignity, said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the former leader was president for all Zambians and that his death was a loss to the entire nation.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said law enforcement agencies were in place to ensure law and order prevailed at the place of mourning.

He said the Government regretted incidents of harassment of some people which may have occurred.

“Zambians are therefore called upon to heed His Excellency President Rupiah Banda’s call to mourn our departed leader with respect and dignity,” Gen Shikapwasha said.

And Dr Chiluba’s family spokesperson, Ben Mwila said the funeral gathering taking place at Belvedere Lodge was open to all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.

He said it was not true that people from other parties other than the MMD were being harassed.

Mr Mwila said there were several opposition leaders including United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema and Alliance for Democracy and Development’s Charles Milupi who had been to the funeral house and were not harassed by anybody.

He said it was clear that Mr Sata hated Dr Chiluba and urged him to stop making lame excuses because he never had kind words for the former president.

Mr Mwila said Mr Sata’s statement on Radio Phoenix that he loved Dr Chiluba sounded like a mockery to the mourners and the bereaved family.

He also said PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba’s statement that it was irregular for the funeral to take place at a lodge was unfortunate considering that there was lack of space at Dr Chiluba’s house, which made the Government extend its generosity by hiring a lodge.

Mr Mwila said the family was grateful to the Government for helping to facilitate all the funeral arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Government will on Monday facilitate a live broadcast of the burial of Dr Chiluba on big screens in different parts of the country.

Gen Shikapwasha said the screens would be mounted in selected parts of the country.

That was being done in order to accord all Zambians an opportunity to follow the burial procession from their respective places.

Gen Shikapwasha said apart from the live broadcast, Lusaka residents had an opportunity to attend prayer sessions at the Lusaka Show Grounds being conducted in memory of Dr Chiluba.

And former Zambia Freedom Fighters Association executive coordinator Kafula Mulenga appealed to some politicians to desist from politicising the funeral of the former Head of State.

Mr Mulenga expressed concern at the negative editorial comments in The Post against the former president, and described them as unfair.

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