Zambia: Chiluba’s Passing Shows How Connected He was to the People

25 June 2011

editorial

The outpouring of grief on the death of second president of the Republic of Zambia Dr Frederick Chiluba has shown just how much he had connected with the Zambian people.

The manner in which Zambians have united in mourning Dr Chiluba is indeed befitting of a man who has done so much for the country.

Dr Chiluba’s humility is what has caused a cross section of Zambians to mourn him in this dignified manner.

If the entropy, at both Belvedere Lodge and the show grounds is anything to go by in the last five days, the death of Dr Chiluba has without doubt touched so many hearts not only in Zambia but also across the borders.

As the Chief Justice Ernest Sakala rightly observed yesterday Dr Chiluba will be remembered as one of the pioneers of democracy.

As it is said democracy can only thrive when the three arms of Government, the judiciary, executive and legislature operate independently.

As a democrat, Dr Chiluba strived to ensure that our judiciary was well-independent.

And one way he did this was by ensuring that the Bench was well-taken care of by giving them good conditions of service.As pointed out by the chief justice, Dr Chiluba introduced attractive conditions of service.

Since the announcement of Dr Chiluba’s death, messages of condolences have also continued pouring into the country from other countries.

During his tenure of office, Dr Chiluba played a critical role in mediating for the peace processes in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Angola.

To show appreciation, DRC acting consular Kalonji Maloba Chantel said her country shall remain indebted to Dr Chiluba.

There is, therefore, no doubt that Zambia has indeed been robbed of a great statesman.

AllAfrica – All the Time