Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has challenged people to always check their facts before making any statements to the media.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha says the growing tendency by some opposition political party leaders of making careless statements without correct information are likely to cause confusion in the country.
He told journalists in Lusaka that it is important for people aspiring to lead the country to always put their facts rights before issuing any statements to the public.
He said it was important to give correct information to the people because it is vital in building public confidence especially in those aspiring for leadership.
Gen. Shikapwasha challenged those aspiring to govern the country to always aim at saying the truth if they are to win the confidence of the majority Zambians.
Gen Shikapwasha cited the recent remarks by opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema that President Banda spent about K1 billion on his trip to Western Province and that the Ministry of information uses K60 million each month as some of the statements that needed to be verified.
He said Mr. Hichilema’s statement was unfounded because they could not be substantiated.
He explained that President Rupiah Banda as a Republican President has the right to visit any part of the country saying the money used in Western Province was far much less than a billion.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister said it was wrong for Mr. Hichilema to continue feeding members of the public with wrong information. Mr. Hichilema is quoted in the media as having said President Banda spent over K1 billion on his recent trip to Western Province to solicit for support.
ZANIS
1) Where and how can we verify stotries? 2) If I came to you are you going to attend to my querries? Gen Shikapwasha when government does business it involves office orderlies, clerks,accountants etc. These people see the figures of the money you guys are using to please yourselves and you expect them to keep quiet? Unless you will use magic to do government business we shall always know. Even if you ban the Post we shall always know what you are doing. We did it in KKs era with the famous “DID YOU HEAR?”. Just do the right thing and you will be left alone.
Our opposition are not issue-based and dont inspire hope at all.RB went to Western province on a working visit and that is part of presidential duties.HH will do the same if he were President coz failure to do so will result in people of not being visited.It happens everywhere.Obama visits local state and there is no uproar from Republicans cos for them,its a non-issue.Our opposition should take a leaf from the Chilean opposition(Sebastian Pinera) who won the first round of presidential election while praising and acknowledging the strides made by the centre-left ruling coalition.Such are politics.
That is why we need a Freedom of Information Act!
Look who’s talking!!!
The best thing for Shika to do is bring up an expense sheet, otherwise we will take it as though he has no basis,thats the work of the opposition to keep the govnt in check,otherwise how else are we going to know the extravagance.As if you yourself sir tells the trueth, its your job to defend the govnt.Sharp shooter,what other issues are there for the opposition to discuss with govnt that will inspire you,dont make a mistake of comparing US to Zambia,2 different democracies with different playing fields and issues,we are struggling with poverty,they are struggling with health,iraq and illegal immigrants
Freedom of info bill should go ahead. Why is Shika always on the back heel defending this and that. Is he sinile? Just set the record straight, yourself by producing facts and figures, so straight forward. If the guy is wrong, then you win. But if you hide then you are just talking cheap, as always!
SmoothCriminal
WHile I must admit taht we are at different levels with the US,we have every reason to emulate them cos this democracy has thrived there.We may have differnrt challenge but democratic tenets remain the same.Thats why I gave a more moderate example of Chilean oppostion.The opposition can do us good by giving us quantitative information on how they will reduce the alleged presidential expenses when they come into power,so that if they dont do it,people will know who was actually lying(The then Govt or oppostion).In the US or CNN in particular,they have what they call”Truth-O-meter” whey they analyse fulfilled and broken promises.Therefore our oppostion should give how data on how they intend to manage our country and how,so that once in office,we will hold them accountable.
7# Sharp Shooter.. stop talking crap and peddling lies.. OBAMA spends the whole day justifying his expenses.. And has been taking daily heat on spending.. The tax payers there demand information on how their dollars are used .. and they get it.. All expenditure apporval HAS to GO THROUGH CONGRESS THEN SENATE SELECT DISTINCT COMMITEE, THEN SENATE… USA is the wrong example to use for your il conceived point you dull chap.. Try Venezuela for your argument.. USA is a mighty democracy where any one can shout nad nobody ties their mouthes.. Look at the “Fact check” the Democrats put up against Republican mudslinging.. If MMD Are not happy, GO TO COURT!!!.. But Ill never sit down and allow anyone to suppress press freedom in ZAmbia.. Otherwise I promise to take them down… one day….
MMD should simply publish the cost summary so that we see the true figures or nearest estimate.. simply.. they can then publish the information in TIMES OF ZAMBIA, LUSAKA TIMES, ZANIS, DAILY MAIL, ZNBC TV 1 & 2, ZNBC RADIO 1-4, GOVERNMENT PRINTERS… The can also add the ZNBC financial audit report for us to see while they are at it.. Oh I forgot.. as wel as the Zambian National Oil Company (Quick liquidation under the table- liquidator paid millions) .. oh and the ZAMTEL financial and audit report.. so that we have information ..YOU RUBBISH shikapwahsa and RB… Otherwise we shall work on approximations and we shall PUBLISH THEM in INDEPENDENT MEDIA, RADIO AND TELEVISION, until you start accounting to the public…… Also you silly “Blunt shooter”..
It is becoming smartly difficult to believe MMD chaps, they are damn good liars!
#8(Digga)
Have you read my posting? Its like you have a big problem with understanding despite claiming being intelligent.US is a standard or hallmark of democracy to any country in the world and Iam shocked as intelligent as you claim can liken Zambia to Venezuela where HH can not even be given the platform to rant about the alleged expenses.Its better to mantain my dullness than embrace your “intelligence” which is void of logic.
#11 Sharp Shooter————- Your posting #2 = VENEZUELA/CUBA but your posting #7 is totally opposite of your logic in “#2″……….. I got lost between the two… You could be right..maybe I’m dull.. Which side are you on.. Press Freedom, Fredom of Information + Accountability in Public office to the Public——————— or ————————–Dictatorship, behind doors, dont ask, corruption,selfishness, beat down anyone that questions, theft of pucblic money, zero development ?????????????????
nomba mwaposeleshinga?
Shika will never accept anything including his own name
#2 Sharp Shooter
You are very correct in your observation and my friend @ #9 Digga do you even know what expenses the Obama administration is being asked to account for???
It certainly isn’t his travel expenses though he has toured the world and yes people complain that he is not paying attention to the Americans. check out bailout plans and not government expenses on the president going to Kafulafuta
It is right and proper for the opposition to question government expenditure. However, the Minister of Finance announces a budget of government expenditure each year. In this, the amount of money that will be given to the President to carry out his duties is outlined. The budget is debated and then approved. The opposition MPs (which include Mr HH’s UPND) and any Zambian can peruse the Parliamenatry debates and committes to check how much is spent on what. Through a ministerial question, the opposition MPs can ask a minister responsible to say how much money is spent on ANY issue. For Mr Hichilema to draw a figure from his cows’ dung, is immature and irresponsible. We need the UPND and PF but Hichilema’s leadership qualities… te sana mwe!
#15 Uchipo Obama was under pressure not to attend the Olympic 2016 bid which went to Rio.. “Waste of taxpayers money was sighted” peopel there still question some of his activities as the public doesn’t want unnecessary spending of taxpayers money.. Even bush was under fire after the G20 summit last year when the presidents then wine and dined lavishly.. Love it or hate it.. All citizens in developed countries are demanding accountability and reduced wateful spending starting with head of state’s office.. Many have cut itenerary in order to show effort to reduce cost.. I wont even talk about Britain and the ministers expenses scandle.. There no blank cheques anymore for Public office. Both of you join the real world and join every effort regardless of who source is..
Why didnt shikaz giv us the cost then?This wasnt a state visit.It was private.Banda did not meet any electorates.Shikaz doesnt seem to have the cost and yet he is arguing.Let him tell us the cost so that we can judge on our own!
Were the travel expenses drawn from the contingency fund or budgeted for expenditure? I think Mr. Hichilema is being very petty. We need accountability but for me I think Mr Hichilema needs to spend more time on how he is going to turn Zambia around lest he risks being irrelevant soon.