NEVERS WANTS BENEFITS
…Self-interest drove him to quit politics – Sichinga
By Adrian Mwanza
VETERAN politician Bob Sichinga says the decision by former New Nation Party (NNP) president Dr Nevers Mumba to quit politics is driven by self-interest and not conviction.
But Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has welcomed the resignation of Dr Mumba from active politics.
In an interview with The Mast yesterday, Sichinga said it was evident that Dr Mumba was forced to make the decision by the new law which bars former vice presidents and presidents from active politics.
He said Dr Mumba desperately needed the benefits that come with being a former vice president to continue living a good life.
“I share a close relationship with Dr Mumba, but I must say I feel the move was motivated by personal interest and not that he genuinely wanted to retire,” Sichinga said.
He said it was clear that the law had forced Dr Mumba, who was in a relationship with the United Party for National Development (UPND), to resign for him to continue receiving his benefits.
“One thing people should know is that this move has nothing to do with him trying to do the right but because he has his personal interests at heart to protect. I am sure this was the most difficult decision he had to make to choose between benefits and political office,” Sichinga said.
He said there was the need to respect the law.
If former president Edgar Lungu had his benefits stripped because of active politics, then it was only right for the law to apply in the case of vice presidents.
But Action Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has welcomed the resignation of Dr Mumba from active politics.
AIPAC executive director Solomon Ngoma said the decision was in line with the enactment of the former presidents and vice presidents’ law.
“The law provides that former presidents and vice presidents shall not engage in active politics or hold party positions once they leave office,” he said.
