Sata vows not to relent in corruption fight

Speaking at State House yesterday when he met all diplomats accredited to Zambia, President Sata said the government wanted to see economic benefits trickle down to the poor. This was the first time President Sata met all diplomats accredited to Zambia since he was sworn in as the country’s fifth President on September 23, last year.

“The PF government will continue to play its part by engaging in a relentless fight against corruption in order to ensure that economic gains trickle down to the average person. I am pleased to note that our strong stance against corruption has received support from most of our cooperating partners,” he said. The president further stated that he will not act too fast in like he did with Swiss Businessman Nicolae Buzaianu. Dr. Buzaianu was believed to be apart of the DEC gold scandal but has been cleared of all allegations.

President Sata further urged the diplomats to support his government’s resolve to implement projects outlined in the Sixth National Development Plan such as infrastructure and industrial development. President Sata said his government would continue to fight poverty by creating employment. On the United Nations reforms, President Sata expressed concern that Africa’s request for representation at the UN Security Council was not being considered quickly. “In this regard, we would like to urge the international community to expedite the process of UN reforms,” said President Sata.

And speaking on behalf of all the diplomats, Botswana High Commissioner to Zambia Tuelonyana Oliphant said Zambia’s peaceful record had provided a conducive environment for their operations.  “We are also happy with the manner in which the government has embraced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a means to create employment and contribute to the economic empowerment of the Zambians. We are thankful for the peace and stability prevailing in the country which provides a conducive and positive environment in our daily operations as diplomats based in Zambia,” said High Commissioner Oliphant.

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Education & Culture – Dr. Buzaianu

Zambia

by Rodolpho Trocci for Informatii Informatii  

The past few months have been a difficult time for an honorable man. Nicolae Buzaianu who is Romanian born but now resides in Switzerland has found much dissension in his past experience in dealing with the current happenings in Zambia.   

Dr. Buzaianu is a former UNESCO representative for Zambia who had been wrongly accused of taking part in a gold scandal involving the past President Mr. Banda. Dr. Buzaianu is a highly educated industrialist who has been a pioneer in the field of energy. His personal beliefs are that to better a society one must tackle the present, specifically the educational system and second maintain its cultural past. He sees it as a marriage of a community.

Originally it was believed that Nicolae Buzaianu stepped down from his Zambian post to pursue other goals. The fact is Dr. Buzaianu found much resistance from the Banda administration which displayed little interest in such educational programs. Buzaianu knew that Banda would soon be out of office and Sata would arrive. Instead of President Sata accepting assistance from Nicolae Buzaianu the now President scoffed him and wrongly accused him of taking part in a gold scandal.

Nicolae Buzaianu

 

Part of Nicolae Buzaianu’s journey to Zambia was to offer financial assistance through a charity he was developing. The charity planned on donating much needed funds into the educational system. The real loss here says Dr. Buzaianu “is the children of Zambia.” He further stated that his most precious treasure besides his family is the education he received in life. “It is about giving back.” He says “and giving to other who do not have opportunity.” 

Philanthropist Nicolae Buzaianu has moved beyond Zambia and has no interest in taking part in its mudslinging. He wishes them the best as he now takes part in restoring churches in Eastern Europe. When asked what will his next charitable goal, he smiled and said “Just you wait and see.”

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MILUPI Says “RB’s Immunity Must Be LIFTED.

MILUPI Says “RB’s Immunity Must Be LIFTED. CORRUPT Actions Were 
Committed Under His DIRECTIVE and CHARGE” OPPOSITION ALLIANCE for Democracy and Development (ADD) president, Charles Milupi 
has said Parliament should help the executive in the fight against
corruption by lifting the immunity on former president 
Rupiah Banda as it is becoming clear that most corrupt actions were 
committed under his directive and charge.
 The opposition leader said in Lusaka in an interview Monday 1/2 that 
President Michael Sata’s fight against corruption would be meaningless
if the former president was not made to account for his actions while
in office.


President Sata

“The former president must be brought to book because the current
 president has done his part so far. We need all the three arms of
Government to play their part in this fight, those in Parliament 
should reflect and ensure that Mr Banda’s immunity is lifted.
”Let’s not distort the intentions of the presidential immunity.


Presidential immunity is supposed to protect a former head of State
for the genuine actions taken while in office. Presidential immunity
is not about protecting actions done in personal, individual, selfish
family interests,” he said.
Mr Milupi said former president Banda should be made to account for
all the corruption that was taking place under his administration.
He said from the information and investigations so far, it was clear
that those who were being investigated were working under the
directive or charge of the former president.
“Most of the things that are being investigated were done under his 
directive, it was under president Banda’s reign that they repealed the
Anti-Corruption Act, and removed the abuse of office clause, it was
under the same administration that the Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP) was directed to withdraw corruption cases from courts,” he said.


Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu

He has since called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to seriously reflect and lift the immunity of president Banda so that he could 
clear himself of all the allegations that have been leveled against him.
“In fact I get worried when I hear some opposition political parties
say that they will defend the former president in the House. The
 purpose of lifting the former president’s immunity is to ensure that 
the cases against him are taken to court and if there is no evidence
then he is cleared,” he said.


He said it was pointless for the Government to investigate some of the 
former ministers who were clearly under instructions from the former
president.
Investigative agencies are investigating corrupt activities under the Rupiah Banda administration and so far several Cabinet ministers, who 
served under the former administration, are being probed with most 
investigations pointing to the former first family.

Among some cases that were under investigation include, the wrongly alleged sale of gold to a Swis business executive Nicola Bogdan Buzaianu, however, Buzaianu has been cleared of all allegations by President Sata, The
alleged irregular sale of the parastatal Zamtel is still pending. Philanthropist Nicolae Buzaianu Meanwhile, Mr Milupi has expressed concern over the manner in which the Government was fighting corruption.
He accused the Government of selectively prosecuting some former
leaders from North-Western, Western and Eastern provinces.
 “Does it mean that other people from other provinces were not involved
in this corruption? The Government should not be seen to be targeting 
certain regions,” he said.

 

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Q&A with a former Politian in Secret – Gloria Koko – Lusaka times

Q&A with a former Politian in Secret – Gloria Koko – Lusaka times

Today I met with a staff member in the government to ask their

thoughts of what is taking place in Zambia and President Sata’s

government. He or she would only speak if their identity would be

shielded and in this interview I refer only to them as MR.

GK: Tell me the first image that comes to mind when I say

President Sata.

MR: Fear… yes fear I am afraid of a police state.

GK: Why?

MR: Read the news you are a journalist. The headlines “Sata

Chopping Heads” “Sata Firing” “Sata Accusing” There seem like

there is no due process only action to remove an arrest.

GK: Is Mr. Banda a criminal. 
Mr. Banda
MR: What politician is not?

GK: A safe answer.

MR: In Tumfweko the former Vice president George Kunda stated he

fears a police state. 

GK: You agree that the 90 days have been a disaster?

MR: Absolutely! President Sata has three approaches to government

Fire – Arrest – Replace. He has sacked good people in the

government and replaced with his people without questions.

  GK: The mines?

MR: People claim abuse and nothing changes. 

GK: The gold scandal?

MR: A deliberate act to destroy a good man’s reputation.

GK: Mr. Banda?

MR: No Dr Buzaianu. 
Philanthropist Nicolae Buzaianu

GK: The Swiss Businessman Nicolae Buzaianu?

MR: I think President had bad information when he spoke about

those involved in the scandal. 

GK: But the President did apologize. 
President Sata

MR: Yes.

GK: Speaking of apologies Mr. Kunda stated that President Sata

should apologize to the people of Zambia. Why? 

MR: Mr. Kunda explained it, President Sata got elected on a claim

that he would straighten out Zambia’s troubles in 90 days. Where

is the change? 

GK: Expecting change in 90 days is unrealistic, should we truly

hold him accountable. 

MR: Yes, absolutely. Make no promises you cannot keep.

GK: Any parting words? 

MR: Bob Marley, “Stand up for your right and don’t give up the

fight!”

GK: A musical quote, my favorite.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – From Zambia

In Lusaka press secretary of President Sata released a formal apology to philanthropist and former Zambia’s permanent representative to UNESCO Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu. Dr. Buzaianu was wrongly accused of purchasing the gold from DEC when he flew into Zambia from Geneva, Switzerland. What was believed to be a nefarious meeting between former President Banda and the Swiss-Businessman turned out to be a meeting of diplomacy.

Philanthropist Nicolae Buzaianu

Lawyers who represent Banda stated that Nicolae Buzaianu arrived in Zambia upon a private jet to announce his resignation as Zambia’s permanent representative from UNESCO. Dr. Buzaianu felt that it was time for him to move on and follow a path more spiritual and focus on rebuilding churches in Eastern Europe. For which he has received a Gold Medal honor by the church.

The gold purchase is still a mystery and President Sata currently has his hands full with his crossover into taking command of the government. Sources claim that the President jumped into the gold scandal without having all the fact presented. This reporter was unable to reach Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu for a statement about the formal apology.

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There is scandal everywhere in Africa.

Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu

Most recently this journalist had a quick opportunity to sit with ex-president Banda and hear his words about the recent gold scandal involving him, his son James Banda and a Swiss National. Mr. Banda briefly stated that matter was not perceived correctly and that a mix up in paper work in the DEC was the most likely culprit.

As for the Swiss Businessman Nicolae Buzaianu who arrived in Lusaka at first believed with the motivation of purchasing gold but that is untrue claims Banda. Mr. Banda was more than happy to set the records strait that Mr. Buzaianu who was UNESCO representative for Zambia arrived to express his dismay that he was stepping down from his post. This conversation confirms the original intentions and not the intentions first offered that President Sata relieved Buzaianu of his duties. Mr. Banda finished with a quote from Euripides “Wealth stays with us a little moment if at all: only our characters are steadfast, not our gold.” The scandal in Zambia continues.

When doing research about scandals on the continent of Africa one can easily see that it is not only by the dirty hands of foreigners coming here for out exportable wealth but the dirty hands of our won politicians and leaders. Show me a poor politician and I will show you and honest politician but few are to be found.

Africa has a large quantity of natural resources including oil, diamonds, gold, iron, cobalt, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver, petroleum we also have woods and tropical fruits. Our abundance of natural resources makes us exploitable by many nations like the U.S., U.K., Canada, and France. One resource they are not interested in is our impoverished children.

Sudan and Nigeria are two of the main oil producers. China owns 40% of Sudan’s oil production. Oil is provided by both continental and offshore productions. Together they account for 85% of the continent’s oil production and are, in order of decreasing output, Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, Egypt and Angola. Other oil producing countries are Gabon, Congo, Cameroon, Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cote d’Ivoire. Exploration is taking place in a number of other countries that aim to increase their output or become first time producers. Included in this list are Chad, Sudan, Namibia, South Africa and Madagascar while Mozambique and Tanzania are potential gas producers.

Ore resources in Africa are plenty, and extremely more so nowadays as other continents are beginning to face depletion of resources. The copper belt in Katanga, the diamond mines in Sierra Leone, Angola, and Botswana are well known for their abundance and rich produce, albeit, also notorious for their level of corruption and links to rebel movements. The RUF (Revolutionary United Front) and the blood diamonds used to supply these rebel factions with arms is one such example.

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Q&A with a former Politian in Secret – Gloria Koko – Lusaka times

 

Q&A with a former Politian in Secret – Gloria Koko – Lusaka times.

What Next in Zambia by Cecil Bello

Awarded to Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu

Image via Wikipedia

I have been most disturbed by events in my home country of Zambia. Both Zambian Watchdog and esteemed journalist Gloria Koko have been writing about President Sata’s transition into power. I am not one on the level of a countries President or statesman to know all the inner workings of politics but I do understand that when engulfed on a new position they must arrive with open ears and eyes wide to understand the lay of the land.

Within days of President Michael Sata’s entry into power he yelled loud at the road that was left behind him by the previous president Mr. Banda. What I mean by that he attacked the past president Banda with all allegations of corruption, from over spending, cars purchased for him and a nefarious gold scandal.

This great Zambian gold scandal went beyond the borders of the country and has alienated a man who would have provided the youth of the country with boundless opportunities. Gloria Koko from the Lusaka News learned in conversation that Swiss Businessman and philanthropist Nicolae Buzaianu was the recent recipient of a gold medal honor from the Church of Russia. The Swiss National was personally responsible for restoring churches in dire need throughout Eastern Europe. Dr. Buzaianu had been working with educators from all over the world and planned on donating personal funds for further reading education to the young people of Zambia. Included and not limited to personal sponsorship of college funds for select students. President Sata’s quick allegation against the Romanian born philanthropist was responsible for the loss students of Zambia will face.

In defense of President Sata he did issue a formal apology to Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu and acknowledged that the Swiss Businessman took no part on the gold scandal and was never on the DEC watch list. Gloria Koko has reported that Nicolae Buzaianu will now take his charity to a country where his work is more appreciated.

There are many problems now with Mr. Banda and the road he has left behind. Unfortunately too we have learned that Situmbeko Musokotwane was paid K5.5 billion and got two salaries. Why do not those in charge deal properly with internal corruption and give Zambia what it truly needs and that is the help of individuals like Dr. Buzaianu and other like him willing to bring their expertise to a country in need.
 

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The President of Zambia & The Swiss National – from the Lusaka Daily News

 

I have been aggressive in following the gold scandal in Zambia where PRESIDENT Sata originally pointed a wrong finger at Swiss philanthropist Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu who held the most esteemed UNESCO post. President Sata outwardly accused Dr. Buzaianu of stealing the gold held by DEC. Early on in the investigation our President stated the Dr. Buzaianu flew into Zambia on a nefarious mission to illegally purchase gold from DEC, the Drug Enforcement Commission. The deep rooted ill action allegedly involved ex-president Banda and possibly his son. 

For a few weeks Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu who is quite generous in his charitable works all over the world especially here in Zambia with a mission of furthering better education to his activities in restoring churches in Eastern Europe. Obviously these works are not the works of a man who would consider illegally purchasing gold or wrong the people of a country he so desired to help.

President Sata

 

The office of the press secretary finally admitted they have had the whole gold scandal incorrect. When Dr. Buzaianu flew into Zambia it was not for the reason of purchasing gold nor was he ever on a DEC watch-list, these allegations were false and incorrect. President Sata’s office and in his own words apologized outwardly to Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu for speaking so severely. 

I contacted a representative of Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu over the telephone to ask if Dr. Buzaianu would like to comment on President Sata’s actions and how he believes the President will be as a leader of Zambia. The representative offered these words from the Swiss National wrongly accused in the gold scandal. “Nu măsura pe alţii cu palma ta.” Translated it means “Don’t measure others with your own hand.” Finally Dr. Buzaianu wishes the people of Zambia a happy holiday and a wonderful new year. 

I also contacted the press secretary who stated that the President wishes the best of holidays to Dr. Buzaianu and his family and truly hopes he reconsiders his UNESCO post for the people of Zambia. 

Reporting form Lusaka Daily News Sunday 25th December 2011 James Mapalo

 

 

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Corruption is like a Mudslide in Zambia by Gloria Koko – Lusaka

Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu

It appears that corruption flows like a mudslide in Zambia. President Michael Sata has been too swift in his allegations of accusing the Swiss Businessman Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu of being involved in the gold scandal involving DEC. Dr. Buzaianu held an esteem position as a UNESCO representative and was strongly researching educational outlets to enhance  reading in the school system. This is an opportunity the youth of Zambia will now miss out on because of ill researched investigations.

Most recently it has been revealed that Situmbeko Musokotwane was paid K5.5 billion and got two salaries. One must wonder what is happening behind the closed doors of the Zambian government. Most recently the Zambian Watchdog stated directly that “Sata has been making allegations against individuals but most of these allegations have turned out to be false.”

It does appear that President Sata has righted his wrong and officially apologized to the Swiss based businessman Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu over the gold scam story. The Zambian Watchdog also reported that after Sata alleged that Buzaianu and former president Rupiah Banda along with others stole gold. Sata was forced to issue a public apology to Buzaianu when it was established that the allegations were incorrect.

Image via Wikipedia

There is an old song by the British rock group the Who and a very apropos line which says. “Meet the new boss, just like the old boss.” Let us hope that this is not the fate of our beloved country of Zambia.
 

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