Government vows won’t withdraw Chiluba benefits despite protests

LUSAKA, Tuesday

The Zambian government has stated that it will not withdraw benefits to the country’s second president Fredrick Chiluba as demanded by the opposition and other government critics, the Zambia Daily Mail reported today.

There have been increased calls that Mr Chiluba’s benefits as former president be withdrawn because he has started participating actively in the country’s politics.

The Zambian law provides for the provision of benefits to a former president but this could be withdrawn if a former leader decides to engage in active politics.

But acting Chief Government Spokesman, Mike Mulongoti said the government will not withdraw the benefits of the former president because he was not actively involved in politics. “The law is very clear on this matter, so it’s a non-issue.

‘‘It is not necessary to withdraw Dr Chiluba’s benefits because he is not inactive politics,” Mr Mulongoti was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Meanwhile, Mr Chiluba’s Spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba said the law indicates that a former president could only be denied his benefits if he was convicted of a crime or engages in active politics, Daily Mail said. (Xinhua)