The Movement for Democratic Change MDC has extolled fourth Republican President HE Rupiah Bwezani Banda for his role when he assumed the presidency at the height of a global financial crisis and economic contraction in 2008.
And the party has said President Banda will be remembered for having played a huge role of ensuring a peaceful transition from the Patriotic Front PF to the United Party for National Development administration.
MDC Vice President for Politics Leonard Hikaumba has said President Banda will be remembered for his role as it was not an easy period at the time he assumed office.
Speaking shortly after visiting the funeral house and signing in the book of condolences at Belvedere Lodge in Lusaka today, Mr Hikaumba said many national economies and countries suffered job losses and economic depression but Zambia did not suffer as much.
He said this was because President Banda’s administration was serious on consultations with stakeholders whose recommendations were treated with the importance deserved thereby helping Zambia pull through the world economic crisis without severe effects.
“He’ll be remembered as a President who made decisions through on consultations with the stakeholders and he valued the input from the stakeholders. This is the kind of leader we have lost as he was a peace maker. You may remember that they (opposition) called him names but he did not retaliate as he still ensure the freedoms were enjoyed by everyone without stifling the participation of other political players” Mr Hikaumba said.
Mr Hikaumba said Zambia’s history will never be complete without the mention of the name ‘RB’ as he was fondly refered and his name will never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, MDC Secretary General Hon Lucky Mabenga Mulusa has said the demise of the former Republican President is devastating to the nation as a whole.
Hon Mulusa said President Banda played a huge role of ensuring a peaceful transition of power in the aftermath of the August 12 general elections.
Hon Mulusa said President Banda was also not stingy in terms of sharing his wisdom, exposure and experience about governance as he was a great asset to Zambia.
“The demise of our former President Rupiah Bwezani Banda is very devastating to the nation. He was a great asset to Zambia as you can see from the befitting send-off from all sections of society and political parties” Hon Mulusa said.
He said President Banda has been mourned not only in Zambia, but in the regional and globally
