Levy explains Siliya's appointment

I was beginning to think sanity has returned to our local politics following the statement from Mrs. Mwanawasa. I then came across the story in which dr. Mwanawasa justifies the appointment of Dora Siliya as Minister of Transport and Communication and realised it was business as usual. One would have thought that the President was appointing Ms. Siliya because she is a highly capable person with the relevant experience to contribute to the running and operation of this important ministry. It was therefore disappointing to learn that the President appointed Ms. Siliya because she is from Eastern province and he wanted to thank the people of Eastern province for their support! In case you think I am making it up here is the story from the Daily Mail.


PRESIDENT Mwanawasa on Friday told people of Eastern Province that he had appointed Dora Siliya as a full cabinet minister in appreciation of their continued support.
Addressing MMD supporters soon after his arrival at Chipata airport, President Mwanawasa said he was proud with the amount of support he was receiving from Eastern Province.
"I was accompanied by Honourable Peter Daka in my apartment and he was telling me that he was now not my only son because I have given him a sister. But I corrected him that you are my only son, I told him that my son I am polygamist and that your mother produced you and Dora Siliya and I have a provincial chairman and deputy ministers who are my children from the other marriage.
I went on to say that I know all of you as my children and you must work hard especially you as the first-born son because if you fail your young sister will succeed you," President Mwanawasa said. "I continue to be very proud with the amount of support that I and MMD is receiving here in Eastern province such that I have decided to give you another cabinet minister. But it will be far much better if you party officials stop quarrelling amongst yourselves."