The country is on auto pilot as far as the presidency is concerned says National Restoration Party (NAREP) President Mr. Elias Chipimo Jr, reports Zambian Eye’s Eugene Makai
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the Zambian Eye’s face book interactive program “The Hot Seat”, Mr. Chipimo made these observations in answer to a question put to him regarding the attendance at court of the Republican President Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata in a defamation case at the Lusaka High Court on Wednesday 21st May 2014.
“No person truly concerned with Mr. Sata would put the president through what he was put through in court. If the pictures of the president are to be believed as appeared on social media, then we need to brace ourselves for challenging times.” Chipimo said.
Mr. Chipimo who was a guest on the program with a theme “The State of the Nation: NAREP’s perspectives and Stance” also wondered why it is deemed anathema to speak about the health of our president. Observing that “He (the Republican President) is the president of all of us – whether we voted for him or not – and his health is a matter of national importance.”
Asked what legal provisions were available when faced with such kind of a situation by Zambian Eye’s Owen Miyanza, he said as NAREP they had actually offered a solution. “We are genuinely concerned about the health of the president and there is a provision in the constitution that allows the president to hand over power temporarily to his vice president for any reason including ill health. He should exercise this power – but not before putting in a more energetic vice president (and no, in case you are wondering, I am not looking for a job!!)”
He went on to say another option requires Cabinet to initiate a procedure that would trigger a medical examination. “This is unlikely for several reasons. The reason Cabinet would not invoke Article 36 is that they would have to be pretty sure that they themselves would not be fired first. It is possible that if the condition becomes so obviously bad, they will go ahead and do so. It may well be that someone has figured this out and is putting Mr. Sata in the limelight to help to get this underway – but here I am merely speculating.”
Asked whether the President can be cited for contempt if he were in breach during court and what his immunity status is since he voluntarily appeared in court, Chipimo said There are protections that would prevent the president from being prosecuted – and that is another reason why the whole process was somewhat misplaced.
“I think the judge was being very tactful in how he handled the matter. I think he can see that something is amiss and is hoping that the lawyers will advise their client tomorrow put the case on hold….indefinitely.”
Chipimo went on to discuss diverse issues affecting the country at the moment
Let’s be rescuied from hard times also be given opportunities by sefless leadership! Let’s not be taken to stone ages where everyone just wants a meal but more than that meal should be taken after hard work & equal pay for job done.