28 August 2008
THE MMD in the Northern Province has resolved to support the adoption of acting Republican President, Rupiah Banda as the party's candidate in the forthcoming presidential by-election.
Party provincial secretary, Sebio Mukuka said in a statement yesterday that the MMD extra-ordinary provincial conference held on Tuesday at Musa Farm Institute in Kasama came up with the unanimous resolution.
The MMD in Eastern Province also announced on Tuesday that it had resolved to back Mr Banda.
Meanwhile, former deputy minister at State House, Webby Chipili has advised the MMD national executive committee (NEC) to let Mr Banda contest the presidency.
Mr Chipili said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that picking any other candidate would create disunity in the party and reduce its chances of retaining the Republican presidency.
"The MMD has to continue with Mr Banda because we don't have healing time before the by-election is held.
"It is my strong appeal to all those who will seat in the NEC to adopt the sitting acting Republican President," he said.
Mr Chipili, who is patron for the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Voice of the Voiceless, said he was in touch with the people on the ground and the message was that Mr Banda should be adopted.
He advised all the other people who had applied for adoption to cast away their personal ambitions and support Mr Banda for the sake of the party and national development.
Former Information and Broadcasting Services minister, Stan Kristafor has also urged the MMD leadership to consider adopting Mr Banda as the party's candidate during the by-elections.
Reverand Kristafor said in Ndola yesterday that it was important for the ruling party to adopt an individual, who had the necessary political experience, ability, wisdom and understanding to continue from where President Mwanawasa left.
He said it was quite clear that Mr Banda was capable of not only uniting the MMD, but continuing with the promotion of good governance and the rule of law which was the cornerstone of the late President's leadership style.
"The vice-president, who is now acting president has a proven record as far as focus and addressing urgent developmental issues is concerned. Mr Banda has the ability needed to deliver the MMD promise to the nation because he is able to act responsibly," Rev Kristafor said.
He said Mr Banda was capable of winning donors and investors confidence and to continue with Dr Mwanawasa's dream to ensure that Zambia was self-reliant and economically vibrant.
And ZANIS reports that Chief Nondo of the Lungu people in Northern Province has appealed to the MMD NEC to adopt Mr Banda as its candidate.
Chief Nondo said Mr Banda should take over from where President Mwanawasa had left because he understood the vision of the late President having served as his last Vice-President.
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