Snr Chief Shimumbi lashes Mucheleka

Senior Chief Shimumbi of the Bemba speaking people of Luwingu District has taken a swipe at Lubansenshi Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Mucheleka whom he accuses of  disrespecting him and his subjects.

And Luwingu District Commissioner Mambwe Katontoka said she will deliver the letter to relevant authorities for further action.

The traditional ruler says the MP has failed to consult him on matters of development in his chiefdom.

ZANIS reports from Luwingu that this is according to a petition presented to Luwingu District Commissioner Mambwe Katontoka at his palace yesterday.

The Traditional leaders observed that it was morally wrong for Mr. Mucheleka to use the name of the President for political mileage.

He revealed that the MP has been going round his constituency claiming that President Michael Sata has called him to State House on three occasions to persuade him to join the ruling Patriotic Front but he has refused to do so.

Senior Chief Shimumbi has since appealed to Government to intervene in the low levels of development in his chiefdom owing to the lack of representation by the area MP.

He accused Mr. Mucheleka of failing to partner with Government in spearheading matters of development in his constituency.

The Chief charged that MP was only channeling funds meant for development to areas where he was voted for.

Senior Chief Shimumbi has advised Mr. Mucheleka to stop politicizing issues of development as people in his constituency elected him on the premise that he will facilitate development in the area.

“Patrick Mucheleka should not forget that he is a servant of all the people in my chiefdom and the constituency at large and should work with the government of the day for our area get maximum development,” he added.

Senior Chief Shimumbi lamented that the MP has never visited him at his palace since he was elected a sign that he disregard recognize his role in the development process of the chiefdom.

He accused Mr. Mucheleka of spreading falsehood against the PF Government that it is failing to deliver development to the people in Lubasenshi constituency.

Senior Chief Shimumbi said contrary to the MP’s assertions, many people in his chiefdom have benefitted from the subsidised fertilizer from the Government.

And receiving the petition, Luwingu District Commissioner Mambwe Katontoka said she will deliver the letter to relevant authorities for further action.

Mrs. Katontoka however expressed concern at the sour working relationship prevailing between Senior Chief Shimumbi and Lubasenshi MP Patrick Mucheleka.

She urged MPs and other stakeholders in Luwingu to work together and foster development in the District.

But when contacted for a comment, Lubasenshi MP Patrick Mucheleka, who was attending the Northern Provincial Constitution Convention, said he was unwell and declined to comment further on the complaints by senior Chief Shimumbi.