Government hails late Chitimukulu

– Government has described the late Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people of Northern province as a gallant leader who wanted to see development in his region.

Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba says the late Chitimukulu worked closely with the government in uplifting the welfare of the underprivileged people in rural areas.

Mr Mwamba said this in Malole this morning during the burial procession of the late Paramount Chief Chitimukulu at his palace.

He said government will miss the wise counsel from of the traditional ruler on matters of national development.

The Defence Minister said President Michael Sata’s administration will continue to partner with traditional rulers in order to foster development in the nation.

Mr Mwamba stated that government is fully committed to upholding traditional and cultural values of all Zambians in order to promote national unity.

And speaking on behalf of the Bemba Royal Establishment, James Mulenga who is Headman Washangapika said the establishment was highly indebted to government for the support it received during the funeral of the late Paramount Chief Chitimukulu.

Mr Mulenga said the Bemba Royal Establishment would ensure that the succession of the next Chitimukulu is done in accordance with Bemba traditions and customs.

He further said the late the Paramount Chief was instrumental in advocating for development in his chiefdom as evidenced from the tarring of roads in the area.

The burial procession of the late Chitimukulu was attended by Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Alfridah Kansembe and her counterpart at Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Susan Kawandami.

Others were government officials, opposition political party leaders who included MMD president Nevers Mumba, NAREP’s Elias Chipimo and members of the public respectively.

The late Paramount Chief Chitimukulu will be put to rest at Kawamwelule in Chinsali district.