By Patson Chilemba
The appointment of Situmbeko Musokotwane as Finance minister shows the direction we are going as a nation, says fourth Republican president Rupiah Banda.
And president Banda says he is back in Dubai after another round of chemotherapy treatment was prescribed to him over the colon cancer he has been battling.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Revelation, president Banda spoke glowingly of Dr Musokotwane, who also served as his finance minister from 2008 to 2011.
He said the appointment was too important such that he was ready to speak about it from his sick bed.
“Yes I was very happy that’s why today has been a wonderful day. It just shows you the direction we are going. You can say that he’s the best best finance minister, who was voted among the top finance ministers n Africa,” president Banda said during an interview yesterday. “You can rely on him he’s a very balanced person as you have heard from the press conference. I congratulate the President for appointing him bringing great hope to the Zambian people. Thank you.”
President Banda said he missed the inauguration ceremony of President Hakainde Hichilema on account that he is back in Dubai undergoing treatment.
“Patson I am back in Dubai again. I am in the hospital that’s why you didn’t see me even at inauguration and so on…I am doing chemo right now. I am feeling a little bit better since yesterday when they started but you can imagine I am lying down in bed now,” said president Banda. “It’s continuous (treatment). I had the first 12 and I finished, and they prescribed another 12 and I am on my 6th one now.”
President Banda adds to the list of several prominent personalities that have welcomed the appointment of Dr Musokotwane.
However, others have criticised Dr Musokotwane’s appointment as recycling leaders instead of giving opportunity to qualified young people.
