Speak for ordinary people facing hardships, Telesphore told

FORMER Archbishop of Lusaka Teles phore Mpundu should speak for the poor and vulnerable in society rather than seem to side with a political party, New Congress Party (NCP) President, Peter Chanda, has said.

And Chilubi Member of Parliament Mulenga Fube also echoed Mr Chanda’s sentiments and said that it was unfortu nate the man of God was keeping a blind eye when the economy was not doing fine.

Pastor Chanda said it was not fair that the Bishop was not being sincere because it was evident that he criticised the previ ous regime but failed to do the same now when things had taken a downward spiral as the new government had failed to de liver what they promised.

“I feel sad because the clergyman is not putting the interests of the vulnerable as a priority and he should emulate his colleague Archbishop Alick Banda who speaks out for the people impartially,” he said.

He said the people depended on him and it was for that reason that he needed to be impartial and ensure that he put the current government in check.

And Mr Fube said Bishop Mpundu should point at the wrongs and also the human conditions of Zambians who were going through a lot of hardships.

Mr Fube said he was aware that the Bishop had the right to speak out but that the human conditions in the two regimes were different as life was now harder after the new deal ascended to power.

He said there was no money in circula tion as suppliers were not paid because they were suspected to be PF which in fact was not the case.

“I feel Bishop Mpundu is leaning to wards a political party so most people feel his comments are political and not meant to improve the livelihoods of Zambians,” Mr Fube said.

He said the political inclination made it even impossible for people to even ap proach him for advice.