I’m not giving up my seat – Kainga
By VIOLET TEMBO PF COPPERBELT chairperson Stephen Kainga has advised law makers eyeing his position to concentrate on delivering on their campaign promises in their respective constituencies.
Speaking to Daily Nation in a telephone interview, Mr Kainga disclosed that the party central committee had not communicated dates on which provincial party elections are to be held.
Mr Kainga emphasised that he was still the in charge and he was not giving up the position even if elections were called.
He described the action by some of the members who had started campaigns for individuals vying for positions as indiscipline, warning that the executive was going to crack a whip immediately culprits were identified.
“I am not going anywhere and you tell them that I am game for the position and remain in charge for now. Who told them that I am no longer interested to re – contest the position? This just brings about confusion in the structures and I will not hesitate to discipline those found wanting. “The secretary general of the party has not communicated to us on the dates elections will be held and the information being disseminated that it is in June this year is a lie. It is only the chairperson for elections that can come with such dates and Davis Mwila to make announcement. So those talking about elections are just wasting their time.
“If they are people such as Members of Parliament (MPs) or senior members that are vying for my position, I appeal to them to concentrate on their responsibilities and support the President with his vision.
“And those being mentioned in the issue of elections must note that time will come for them to become provincial chairpersons and it should be done in orderly manner.” He said.
Mr. Kainga was disappointed over what he described as hunger for positions among members that were saving in various elected positions.
He said there was no need for the party members to panic but encouraged them to concentrate on mobilisation to prepare for 2021 general elections.
Unconfirmed reports have emerged that four Patriotic Front Members of Parliament and two Mayors on the Copperbelt plan to contest the provincial chairmanship when the region hold its elections expected this year.
Members of the party have named MPs eyeing the position as Kabushi’s Bowman Lusambo. Nkana’s Alexander Chiteme, Chifubu’s Frank Ng’ambi and Kwacha’s Joseph Malanji.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kainga disputed reports that his office early this week summoned a named PF councillor to exculpate herself on allegations of working with the opposition NDC.
Sources told Daily Nation that the provincial executive had accused the entire Ndola district executive of placing their loyalty with NDC together and 11 councillors.
The sources claimed that members that were identified to having allegiance to an individual vying for the executive position were being labled a rebel.
“One one of the councilors was called and had a meeting with the provincial chair over the matter but what is surprising is that individuals mentioned have commenced campaigns. It is not a secret and this has brought about divisions. We are waiting on the action the province executive will take,” the source said.
But Kainga accused NDC of spreading falsehood with the intent of destabilizing the ruling party.
“No, I have never summoned any councilor, that is a blue lie. That has never happened here. What they want is to divide the party, the party is intact and we are working well.That is just lies coming from the NDC to make it look like they have taken over the province. These are the same people that are just telling lies. If people have to go,they will go individually. We have not summoned anyone, but indiscipline will not be tolerate,” he said.