Lusaka — Litunga Imwiko has asked President Mwanawasa not to make Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika ruling MMD national secretary.

According to State House sources, at a private State House meeting with President Levy Mwanawasa last week, the Litunga strongly opposed the 'appointment' of Aka as MMD national secretary.

"The Litunga even threatened to withdraw his support for President Mwanawasa if he went ahead to pick Aka as MMD national secretary," the sources disclosed.

They further disclosed it was clear that the Litunga had taken the position because Aka had not supported him when Barotse Royal Establishment was selecting the replacement of the late Litunga, Ilute Yeta. During the run up to the selection of the Litunga, Aka and the late Litunga Yeta's son senior chief Inyambo were among the contenders.

According to the sources, President Mwanawasa explained that Aka was a superior candidate to MMD international relations chairman Valentine Kayope.

It was at this point that the Litunga proposed Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) national secretary Ackson Sejani's name as Aka's possible replacement. When reached for comment last night Aka said, "No, I can't comment on that."

State House spokesman Arthur Yoyo confirmed President Mwanawasa's meeting with the Litunga at State House but declined to give details. "Yes, I can confirm that President Mwanawasa met the Litunga on Wednesday, November 13," Yoyo said.

"But I cannot give you details of the meeting because it was a private one."