Chilufya Dodges Questions On Why PF Members Are Flouting Covid-19 Guidelines
Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya has failed to address allegations of Patriotic Front officials flouting Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings in favour of holding political rallies.
The allegations come as another blow to the government, which faces mounting criticism as to their Covid-19 response efforts; here, it seems politics has been placed over constituents’ safety.
In the National Assembly, the Health Minister issued a statement at the request of the Speaker Dr Patrick Matibini, who called for an explanation into the disgraced officials’ actions.
Dr Chilufya, however, avoided addressing the controversy directly and instead updated the National Assembly on the country’s latest coronavirus statistics.
Many MPs were unsatisfied with what they viewed to be a flagrant disregard for the Speaker and his initial request. UPND MP Gary Nkombo readdressed the allegations to the Health Minister only for the Minister to remark that former needs to tone down his “bitterness”.
The Assembly then erupted in a vocal back and forth between the two members of the rival parties and the Speaker was forced to intervene several times.
Dr Chilufya in his defence argued that “public health is apolitical and we need not to characterize any gatherings based on political affiliations.”
Dr Chilufya also currently stands accused of four corruption charges, in which he allegedly purchased property in Dubai and Zambia with the proceeds of financial crimes. The money exchanged could amount to US $250,000 and K3,270,000 for separate charges.
The Minister is awaiting his trial set for 4th August 2020.
Dr Chilufya appearing in court