CHIEF CHIKWA’S ARREST ANGERS HOUSE OF CHIEFS

THE House of Chiefs has condemned the State over the manner it has arrested and detained Chief Chikwa of the Senga people in Eastern Province for allegedly engaging in illegal harvesting of timber in his chiefdom.

And nearly a week after Chief Chikwa’s arrest, messages of solidarity have continued to pour in with Mr Yotam Mtayachalo, the PF Chama North MP saying he was disheartened.

Chief Chisunka has urged fellow traditional leaders to work together with Government in preserving natural resources but is unhappy in the manner Chief Chikwa has been embarrassed by his arrest.

Chief Chisunka, the chairperson of the House of Chiefs said security wings should be careful on how they handled traditional leaders because chiefs had the potential to incite their subjects to burn forests and rise against the government.

“We know that no one is above the law. But since time immemorial, we have been looking after these natural resources. There may be an uprising from people.

So, Government must ensure there is sensitisation over natural resources. We want to be part and parcel of benefit,” Chief Chisunka said.

And Mr Mtayachalo said he had closely monitored the events surrounding the arrest of Chief Chikwa and as such he was deeply troubled.

“Firstly, it is important to note that while Chief Chikwa may have had a timber concession licence that was later revoked, but the manner in which his arrest was conducted has left a sour taste among the people of Chama.

While no one is above the law, the handling of this matter has brought unwarranted public scrutiny upon the entire Chikwa chiefdom,” the lawmaker said in a statement yesterday.

Mr Mtayachalo said the rampant illegal timber harvesting by foreigners in Chama North Constituency, particularly in Nkhankha, Chisunga, and Luangwa wards, continued unabated despite repeated alerts to the authorities.

“It is disheartening that while Chief Chikwa faced swift action from authorities however, those responsible for depleting our natural resources in Chama remain untouched,” he said.

Mr Mtayachalo said it was surprising that the government acted swiftly in the case of Chief Chikwa but had turned a blind eye to other pressing issues that obtained in the district such as the escalating man-animal conflict that threatened lives and food security in the district.

“I urge the authorities to seek alternative solutions to resolve this matter amicably, avoiding any further strain between authorities and the traditional leadership in Chama and the province at large.

As the Member of Parliament for Chama North, I stand in solidarity with Chief Chikwa and all traditional leaders facing challenges in our district,” he said.