NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) youth chairman Charles Kabwita says those smuggling Mukula out of the country should not use the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO). Defence permanent secretary Stardy Mwale last week said during a briefing after PF cadres impounded nine trucks laden with Mukula logs destined for export that the consignment belonged to ZAFFICO which was exporting on behalf of the government.

But Kabwita said Mukula trees did not benefit the nation as it was sold at a lower price to China by ZAFFICO.

“The country is stripped off its natural resources and treasury does not benefit. The finance minister needs to investigate and inform the nation how much we make in Mukula trade. The people need to benefit from their trees. They just can’t experience deforestation for nothing. Let Mukula revenues build hospitals with maternity wings. Let Mukula revenues be accounted for,” Kabwita said.

He further called Minister of Home Affairs Steven Kampyongo childish after issuing a statement of threats to the PF cadres over mukula trees. Kabwita claimed that Kampyongo had no moral grounds of instilling discipline to any youth, saying he was the most undisciplined minister “who thinks will always get the President’s protection”.

Kampyongo threatened to deal with the PF cadres for intercepting and impounding the trucks carrying Mukula. The youths insisted that lands and natural resources minister Jean Kapata recently reinforced the ban on Mukula export and wondered why others were being allowed to trade with police escort.

“He (Kampyongo) is the most undisciplined minister as he thinks the President will always protect him. There is a limit you can’t cross. The law of elasticity is applicable also in our lives and slowly you are reaching the yielding point. The day you will break is the day you will know how congested Chimbokaila has been,” Kabwita said.

“I’m dismayed to read your statement as it was in antagonistic with what the Republican President wrote on his official facebook page. Why are you in a hurry to scare the well meaning youths? Is there anything Kampyongo is hiding? The fact that you are mentioned in videos circulating makes you an interested party and suspect who should be investigated . The best kampyongo should do is make himself available for investigations and questioning. Kampyongo you should remember that ‘AKAFUPA UTEMENWE EKA KUSHA UMUCHENE.’ Stop being corrupt ba minister. You are close to your premature finishing line.”

He advised Kampyongo to stop abusing the police as part time criminals and has praised PF youths for standing up for what is right.

“As NDC, we want to applaud the PF youths for standing tall in the midst of dangerous criminals. All well meaning Zambians should emulate these youths. Let’s protect them from criminals who are thirsty for money. We know that these youths aren’t going to be safe but I demand that hands off them. These youths should be defended and recommended. As NDC youth leader, I will instruct our party youths to help with manpower to help with the save Mukula tree campaign. We are joining the bandwagon of saving our natural resources from extinction,” said Kabwita.