It was wrong for RB to return to active politics – RB’s son Andrew

FORMER President Rupiah Banda’s son, Andrew, says he has not betrayed his father by endorsing United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature in the forthcoming presidential elections.
Mr Banda said he loves his father but it was wrong for him to return to active politics and to jeopardise his retirement benefits.
He said this in Chipata yesterday when he featured on a Breeze FM radio programme called Political Hour.
“I have not betrayed anybody.  My Father never consulted me about his comeback but this time, I feel it is not right for him. I fear for my father,” Mr Banda said.
He said according to the constitution, Mr Banda risks losing his salary, which is 80 percent that of a sitting President, including the house Government is building for him.
Mr Banda said those misleading his father to contest the presidential elections should instead ask their parents to stand instead because campaigns “will soon heat up”.
He also castigated people accusing him of insulting his father for endorsing Mr Hichilema’s candidature in the presidential election.
He said individuals that have surrounded his father are allegedly misleading him that he can win the forthcoming presidential elections when they deserted him when he lost the 2011 polls.
Mr Banda said he has been receiving insults on phone since he endorsed Mr Hichilema’s candidature.

Zambia Daily Mail