KAFULAFUTA MMD Member of Parliament (MMD) James Chishiba says he is ready to work with the Patriotic Front (PF) Government.

Mr Chishiba was among the people who were at the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport yesterday to welcome President Michael Sata who arrived in Ndola yesterday for the burial of PF member of the Central Committee Chibwe Mulenga.

Asked if his presence at the airport would not attract the wrath of his troubled party, Mr Chishiba said he had no regrets receiving Mr Sata.

"He is my President. He is in charge of the country so I don't owe anyone an apology for being here," he said.

The MP said he was ready to work with Mr Sata because under his stewardship the Zambian economy has improved.

"Let's not bring politics here, the people of Kafulafuta want development. They elected me to bring them that development, that is what am here to do. Am comfortable working with this Government," he said.

He, however, said he would not defect to PF but when pressed on whether he would accept a Government position, Mr Chishiba said he would 'cross the bridge when he gets there.'

"I am not saying I am defecting to the PF, get this clearly. I am saying I am ready to work with the Government of the day. The elections are over it's time for us to give our people development," he added.

Mr Chishiba said his going to the airport was to mourn the late Mr Mulenga whom he said had taught him politics as his mentor.

Earlier this month, MMD president Nevers Mumba predicated that about 30 of his MPs were planning to defect to PF.

Former Mpongwe MP Gabriel Namulambe recently ditched the former ruling party to join the PF.