The opposition Operation Save MMD has urged the state to reinstate second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba assets and terminal benefits.
President Chiluba’s assets were frozen after he was accused of financial wrong doings when he was in power. All of these allegations were tested and found without merit by Competent courts of law. Although he was acquitted of all charges in 2009, his assets remain in possession of the state.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General, Operation Save MMD leader Hon. Gaston Sichilima says that the interest of his group in Dr. Chiluba stems from the fact that he was the First and Founding President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
Hon. Sichilima then asked the Attorney General to advise the state to return Late President Chiluba’s assets because he was cleared of any wrong doing.
“We respectfully request your attention to the reinstatement of Dr. Chiluba’s assets which were seized by the state through various investigative agencies following allegations of financial wrongdoing during his tenure. Dr. Chiluba was acquitted of all charges by the courts and we believe that it is only just that his assets be returned to his family, as supported by the provisions of the forfeiture act (Chapter 122 of the Laws of Zambia)”, Hon. Sichilima said.
Hon. Sichilima then advised the Government to also reinstate giving the retirement benefits to the Chiluba family.
“Lastly but not the least, We kindly request that the government honor Dr. Chiluba’s memory and legacy by reinstating his retirement benefits of the former presidents Act 15 of our laws”, Hon. Sichilima said.