HH needs a running mate who is God fearing – Dr Banda
The United Party for National Development – UPND Vice President for Politics, Dr Canisius Banda says he is hopeful that Hakainde Hichilema will not pick a wrong person to be his running mate.
Featuring on Muvi TV’s political talk show dubbed The Assignment this evening monitored by Zambian Eye, Dr Banda said Hichilema needs royal person who will help him achieve his vision for a better Zambia.
Dr. Banda who said had been with UPND in thick and thin explained that it will be a good story to write if Hichilema picked him as his running mate. He said he joined UPND when the party was not attractive and vowed to remain in the party.
“God forbid HH should not pick a wrong person as his running mate because the wrath of God will be on him,” responded Dr Banda when pressed to comment what will happen if he is left out.
He refused to comment on the suitability of his counterpart Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for the running mate position.
Dr Banda dispelled the innuendos and insulations that he is being overshadowed by his colleague Mr. Mwamba popular know as GBM.
“I wish GBM well, all I can say is I wish him well” Dr Banda answered after being asked whether he feels GBM stands a better chance. “I recruited Geoffrey. Hakainde, me and the team, we recruited GBM. He must go out there and explain to the people what UPND want to do.”
Dr Banda explained that he doesn’t feel overshadowed by newcomers, because he knows those who are new have a point to prove.
On the choice of the running mate, Dr Banda said; It’s the prerogative of the President to appoint who he feels is capable and trusted to deputize him.
“It’s the prerogative of the President to appoint his vice and President Hakainde is taking his time. You know Costa, timing is everything in politics” Dr Banda explained, “President Hakainde Hichilema is God fearing man and its fundamentally important that he appoint a God fearing person as a running mate. Somebody who respects the people and a leader who understand the diverse of Zambia’s ethnic groupings but understands the unity in purpose, that’s the running mate that President Hakainde needs”
When asked if he is bankrupt and is poised to defect if not taken as running mate, Dr Banda defended himself and said he cant leave UPND, no matter what because he is passionate and loyal to Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.
“Ten yeas ago, I spoke to HH. I was the Ministry of Health spokesperson then. I didn’t see ethnicity, I saw talent. One things God has blessed me with Costa is to see talent. I saw this educated, young, articulate man” he explained. “I can’t defect now, I joined UPND at a time it was much smaller. If there is a loyal person in UPND, that person is me, I am passionate”
On being bankrupt, Dr Banda said he is from a humble background such that he sold cigarettes in Mandevu but rose to what he has become.
“I was born in Mandevu from a poor background. I used to be mishanga saler but became a speech writer for head of states” he narrated, “You can beat poverty, I built a house for my mother just after I graduated, I built another house for my wife and I am now building a house for my children. I am a builder. I am building Hichilema”
On the economy, Dr Banda said UPND will execute and deliver its Ten point plan within five years in power.