Chipampe appointment has silenced critics - DNA
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has shut his critics up after appointing Isaac Chipampe as his special assistant for press and public relations because they expected a politically-inclined individual so that they could make a meal out of it, the Zambian DNA has said.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr. Chipampe, Zambian DNA spokesperson Spuki Mulemwa described it as a perfect replacement for his predecessor, Amos Chanda, whom he described as a sober-minded individual with vast experience.
Mr. Mulemwa said the opposition had been quiet over the appointment because they were expecting someone with deep-rooted political inclination to the PF and that their silence was an indication that they had been caught off- guard.
He said Mr. Chipampe’s record of professionalism and dedication to duty had chocked the opposition whom he accused of having been waiting for an opportunity to make a meal out of the matter.
“Mr. Chipampe’ s appointment is a perfect replacement for another media guru in Amos Chanda who served State House fervently and we have no doubt that he is going to excel in all the facets of his job’s demands.
“To the opposition who were eagerly waiting to strike over this replacement, they are quiet because they have been caught off-guard. They expected the appointment of someone who is politically-inclined and their silence over the matter shows that they have been defeated,” Mr. Mulemwa said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Institute for Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has also welcomed Mr Chipampe’s appointment but urged him to give sound advice on media matters to the President as his job was not only being spokesperson but also involved giving advice on press issues.
ZIIMA vice president Jubel Zulu yesterday said the media fraternity expected more from Mr. Chipampe in the promotion of media freedom since he was part of the media fraternity.
“We are also alive to the fact that as a journalist who has been through the mill, rising from Reporter to the apex in the state-owned Zambia Daily Mail, a situation that makes us have confidence that he is aware of the needs of the media and will be able to promote freedom of the media at Statehouse.
“As we congratulate Mr. Chipampe, we take this as an opportunity to urge him to give sound advice on Media matters to the President as his job is not only being spokesperson but also involves advice on press matters,” Ms. Zulu said.