RB EXTOLS CHILUBA
... despite some political elements tainting his name, FTJ will remain father of multi- party democracy and economic liberalisation
IT IS sad that the legacy of Frederick Chiluba has been under attack from an unscrupulous and selfish cabal in a ruthless quest for power by painting him as a selfish enemy of the people, former Republican President Rupiah Banda has said. Presenting a lecture on Dr. Chiluba’s life titled “A Land of Unsung Heroes” at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Banda said despite some political elements tainting his name, Dr. Chiluba would remain the father of our multi-party democracy and economic liberalisation. He said Dr. Chiluba will be remembered as a harbinger of political freedom, human rights, and liberties.
“It is sad that the legacy of Dr. Chiluba has been under attack from an unscrupulous and selfish cabal in a ruthless quest for power who painted him as a selfish enemy of the people. This is not the Chiluba that I, or millions of Zambians knew, ever approachable, cheerful and humble. Dr. Chiluba brought the presidency closer to the people.
“Dr. Chiluba brought the presidency closer to the people. On his housing empowerment drive he would make impromptu visits to people’s homes to hand them their title deeds or offer letters - those smiles of absolute joy will forever be etched in the memory,” Mr. Banda said.
He recounted that despite Dr. Chiluba’s regime throwing him in police cells for over 50 days in 1993 for his alleged involvement in the “Zero Option” saga, the two reconciled long before he died.
“In 1993, I was detained by the authorities for more than 50 days for alleged involvement in the “Zero Option” saga. A few days after my release on a nolle prosequi, my brother- in-law, Stanley Makulu, passed away. Stanley had been one of Dr. Chiluba’s interpreters and naturally he came to the funeral house to pay his respects to the family.
“The President was very gracious and spent a long time chatting with and comforting us. Before his departure he did something remarkable and unexpected, he leaned over to me and offered his apologies to me for my arrest and detention,” he said.
He said their friendship was so deep that he was with Dr. Chiluba at State House a day before he died.
The day before Dr. Chiluba passed away, he asked to see me at State House. He joined me for lunch, and we spent the rest of the day just chatting as two brothers about a range of issues, nothing urgent or pressing. On that day, that would be his last on this earth.
“Dr. Chiluba had just wanted to spend quality time with a dear friend and brother. I feel incredibly blessed to have had that unknowing farewell. Naturally, when I received the news of his sudden demise I was shocked and devastated,” he recounted.