‘Sata Ungrateful, Betrayed FJT’

23 June 2011

FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general, Edward Mumbi has said PF leader Michael Sata is an ungrateful person who has betrayed second president of the Republic of Zambia, Frederick Chiluba.

And MMD chairperson for information and publicity Dora Siliya has said Mr Sata has shunned Dr Chiluba’s funeral because he is haunted by his persistent attacks on the second president.

Mr Mumbi said yesterday that Mr Sata’s behaviour following Dr Chiluba’s death when the former head of State made him what he was today, was shameful.

He said Mr Sata’s betrayal of Dr Chiluba was alarming, especially that the PF leader had continued to show hatred for the person who heavily solicited for sponsorship for his 2006 election campaigns.

Mr Mumbi said Mr Sata’s refusal to attend Dr Chiluba’s funeral was out of shame in view of the opposition leader’s grudge against the former head of State.

“Mr Sata has no shame and being the person who worked closely with him, I remember very well how Dr Chiluba heavily assisted the PF in campaigns in 2006 which the PF leader should appreciate if he is a genuine friend,” he said.

He revealed that Mr Sata and his wife Christine Kaseba collected an estimated US$2.1 million mobilised from some well-wishers for his campaigns.

“In fact, when collecting this money, the Chinese donor even asked Mr Sata why he hated China and the Chinese investment so much, but he denied and accused The Post newspaper of being liars who had always misquoted him. I challenge him to deny this,” Mr Mumbi said.

He said Mr Sata’s hatred for Dr Chiluba started in 2001 when the former head of State settled for the late president Levy Mwanawasa to take over from him.

And Ms Siliya said Mr Sata had resorted to going to radio stations instead of joining the mourners because he knew that people would wonder how he would mourn a man he wanted jailed if he ascended to power.

She said the excuse by the PF leader that he would be harassed was baseless.

Ms Siliya said Mr Sata lacked the right leadership qualities necessary to rule Zambia.

Meanwhile, Northern Province MMD chairperson Stephen Mukuka has accused Mr Sata of pretending even after benefiting massively from Dr Chiluba’s government.

At a media briefing at the funeral venue, Mr Mukuka said the people of Northern and Luapula provinces felt insulted by the conduct of Mr Sata towards the death of Dr Chiluba.

AllAfrica – All the Time