By Isaac Zulu
Major Ben Phiri says he will remain loyal to UPND as there are still a number of positions he can easily be appointed to.
Speaking with Daily Revelation, Maj Phiri was asked if he was disappointed by being left out on the appointments of permanent secretaries, however, he said he is not bothered and will remain loyal to the ruling party.
He also proposed that there is need to create a position of permanent secretary at provincial level in order to enhance rural development.
“There’s a proposal that I have made to the President over the need to create a position for permanent secretaries at provincial levels for general duties. Currently, there’s a position for permanent secretaries in charge of administration. But I have a proposal that there’s need to create a position for a permanent secretary for rural development, especially in provinces that were neglected in terms of development in the previous regime,” Maj Phiri said. “Permanent secretaries are not the last or highest positions that one can ascend to. I remember making a similar proposal of the introduction of the position of permanent secretaries for rural development to President Museveni. And he implemented it. And I am sure President, Hakainde Hichilema, being a listening President will consider my proposal.”
Major Phiri further proposed for another position of permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation that would, specifically be in charge of enhancing regional integration at SADC level.
Asked is he has relevant qualifications for him to serve in a senior government position, Major Phiri un-bundled his resume.
“I have a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, a Fellow of Institute of Marketing, that’s my profession and experience. And I hold a Diploma in Sales and Marketing from Cambridge College of the United Kingdom, I am a member of the Zambia Institute of Marketing and I hold a Certificate in Diplomatic Practice,” Major Phiri revealed; among his other qualifications.
He said President Hichilema has made meticulous appointments as permanent secretary level, saying the individuals appointed are qualified for occupying those positions. He described the appointments as effective, which he said would lead to economic, social and political transformation for a better Zambia.
In an interview, Major Phiri, who is former Luapula Province permanent secretary in the Patriotic Front administration,has explained that individuals that the Head of State recently appointed to serve as permanent secretaries in various government ministries and provincial administrations have seen qualified individuals occupying those positions.
“The second element that President Hakainde Hichilema is looking at is that you must be appropriately qualified and have the requisite skills. Your tribe and where yo come from does not even matter to the current President. And he doesn’t even ant to hear it,” Maj Phiri said. “One striking thing is that all tribes in Zambia have been appointed to the positions of permanent secretaries, which is in line with the UPND government’s promise of having an all inclusive governance system. This is representative of all tribes and should be applauded. It’s been inclusive of all parts of Zambia,” said Maj Phiri. “The current permanent secretaries and their deputies come from all regions of Zambia.”
He also urged individuals that were dismissed from the civil service on allegations that they were politically aligned to the UPND to exercise some patience; as the new dawn administration is committed to determining their amnesty.
“I would also want to make an appeal to all those UPND members that might feel that they have been left out these appointments to remain loyal to the President and the UPND. They should not feel sidelined. I can give an example of myself…I had my appointment as Luapula Province permanent secretary revoked in 2013 on account that I as inclined to the UPND. Remember, I was a parliamentary candidate in Kasenengwa in 2011. And that is the only party that I have stood on to contest any parliamentary election. So, loyalty matters,” said Maj Phiri.
