The knee-jerk reactions, clearly devoid of study and analysis, that at times come from the UPND are a source of shame to all concerned discerning patriots and nationalists.

That such an important political party in Zambia should lack critical abd strategic thinking, that it should exhibit behaviour commonly associated with non-thinking entities is worrisome indeed, especially for a party that seeks national governance power.

And in me, it’s immediate past Vice President for Politics, this pitiable behaviour excites both concern and compassion.

I think and feel compelled that I should continue to lead them from outside.

I feel sorry for my former political party.

It seems to now lack the very substance of the cerebral kind required for it to attain the requisite success.

Strategic thinking seems to be on holiday in the UPND.

You see, an inquiry of any kind is a good thing and it must be encouraged.

Inquiries, unlike the UPND Secretary General Mr Stephen KATUKA seems to strangely think, are never stupid.

An inquiry, almost always, is a function of curiosity, and curiosity is a product of intelligence. Nothing stupid there.

What is stupid, on the other hand, is the official stance the UPND have now taken to vehemently oppose this PRIVATISATION INQUIRY. This is stupid.

Why they have taken this position against the people of Zambia remains elusive. It is NOT only surprising but it is disappointing as well.

What was going to be smart, intelligent, non-stupid, an utter stroke of genius by the UPND is if the UPND had fully and strongly supported this INQUIRY.

This would have been a significant strategic victory for this beleaguered opposition political party. It would have constituted the required pre-emptive strike.

By supporting it, the UPND would have taken both the sting and steam off the whole process.

Anticipating nothing spectacular as it’s outcome, even the inquirers would have been lackadaisical in their approach.

But now the opposite will happen.

Both the citizens and inquirers are now waiting with bated breath for its findings. The UPND have now, though inadvertently, wetted their appetites.

It I were Hakainde HICHILEMA I would immediately tell Mr Stephen KATUKA to shut up, and focus on formation of branches.

Stephen KATUKA is making Hakainde HICHILEMA look tainted, very bad indeed.

Being superior to his Secretary General, Hakainde HICHILEMA himself can still disagree with his party’s preliminary statement and support the INQUIRY. There is still time to save face.

Any INQUIRY, especially at national level, that seeks to establish the truth, such as the inquiry into the death of Vespers SHIMUZHILA at the University of ZAMBIA, must be supported by all citizens, partisan or not.

An inquiry seeks to establish fact and truth.

And when we premise our recommendations and follow-up ACTIONS on fact and truth, we shall make the requisite progress, and prosper, as a country.

The PRIVATISATION INQUIRY must establish truth about and answer questions such as the following:

1. What Cabinet decisions preceded privatisation?

2. What policies guided the privatisation process?

3. What legislation was it founded upon?

4. What processes led to the listing of the companies that were listed for sale?

5. Why did some government companies not make/appear on this list?

6. What methods of sale were used? Was it single-buyer sourcing or was open competition encouraged and done?

7. Who was contracted by the government to audit and value these State properties before sale and was this valuation objectively done?

8. Who sold these companies?

9. Who bought these companies?

10. Were these companies bought at the right price for value at the time?

11. Was there conflict of interest by anyone at any stage of the process?

12. What was the liquidity status of the buyers at the time of sale? Did they qualify or have capacity to buy?

13. What is the current status of these companies?

13. Have the conditions of sale and purchase been complied with?

14. Is it possible to reposses some of these companies?

15. Are there issues/matters fit for prosecution arising therefrom?

Truth be told, out of the 16 million Zambians, if there is anyone that should rejoice at the setting up of this PRIVATISATION INQUIRY, it is Hakainde HICHILEMA. This is so because, for many years, the privatisation questionn has always been used by his foes and detractors against him to dent him, and diminish his political ambitions and fortunes.

The PRIVATISATION question has followed Hakainded HICHILEMA like an intractable bad smell, akin to the way a shadow follows a person.

And every time he is thus assailed, always, Hakainde HICHILEMA, through and through, has passionately pled innocence.

This therefore is a grand opportunity for him and his political party to officially and legally assert his innocence and bury this matter once and for all.

This is why the UPND’s opposing this INQUIRY is what is stupid.

Their refusal to back this PRIVATISATION INQUIRY will now unnecessarily raise eyebrows.

People will ask. Why is the UPND opposed? What are they hiding? Even when there is nothing to hide. But then is there?

Following the setting up of this PRIVATISATION INQUIRY, the UPND is now behaving hurt, emotional and scared, conduct typical of individuals and NOT organisations.

Why?

Is this really the position of the political party called UPND or this is the personal position of their president Hakainde HICHILEMA? The latter seems cogent.

But then someone before the time of Jesus said: ‘The guilty are afraid!’ They still are today.

Truth be told, innocence is never afraid of research, investigation or inquiry. It thrives on them.

Innocence rejoices at INQUIRY. It is INQUIRY that elevates innocence to the pedestal of exemplary fixtures.

Take heed.

Dr Canisius BANDA
Development Activist
Former UPND Vice President for Politics
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