MMD BOYCOTTS CHILUBA’S MEMORIAL BECAUSE OF NEVERS MUMBA’S ROLE
On behalf of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), the interim president, Honourable Gaston Sichilima, announced their decision to abstain from the State-supported 15th Memorial Service for Dr Frederick Chiluba, Zambia’s Second Republican President, who died on June 18, 2011.
Dr Chiluba is acclaimed for dismantling the one-party state, championing human rights and press freedom, and facilitating peace in the region, particularly through the Lusaka Peace Accord.
The MMD expressed strong objections to former leader Dr Nevers Mumba giving a vote of thanks at the memorial, noting that he is not a family member and has previously undermined both President Chiluba and the MMD.
They accuse him of attempting to alter the party’s name illegally and misleading the public about party conventions.
The MMD believes that allowing Dr Mumba to speak would betray President Chiluba’s legacy and express discontent towards those who genuinely supported the late President.
Therefore, they will not attend the memorial service, viewing participation as a legitimization of Dr Mumba’s actions that stray from the ideals President Chiluba upheld.