The Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) says it has observed Robert Chabinga’s remarks, in which he is essentially threatening to liquidate any media house that gives coverage to Miles Sampa as PF president.
The association notes that Chabinga was involved in the liquidation of The Post newspaper as receivership manager and uses his “boastful claim of being a liquidation specialist” to threaten media owners.
The Mafinga PF MP made the “liquidation” remarks during a recent press briefing at Mass View Lodge, where Morgan Ng’ona, who was dismissed as secretary general, expelled Sampa from the party and appointed Chabinga as interim party president.
During the same press briefing, Chabinga warned that MPs that would be seen having meetings with the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) would be expelled.
“…Anyone who is going to masquerade as PF president or SG of the party, we will start with the same person then the media institution. We are not threatening, it is brotherly advice. To my fellow members of parliament, please from tomorrow we must behave, if we don’t behave you will go. If it means remaining the three of us then we will do it. And I don’t know why people think this is a surprise, president Sata expelled 18. Any member of parliament who shall be seen having meetings with UKA, and going somewhere in Ibex Hill, we will put a satellite on you, you will be gone. We are not in church, these are politics,” said Chabinga.
In a statement, MOAZ president Costa Mwansa said Chabinga’s threats were troubling and an upfront to freedom of the press.
“The Media Owners Association of Zambia (MOAZ) has observed the regrettable remarks issued by Mafinga PF member of parliament Mr. Robert Chabinga, in which he is essentially threatening to close down or liquidate any media that shall give coverage to Mr. Miles Sampa as president of the Patriotic Front. We take note that Mr. Chabinga was involved in the liquidation of The Post Newspaper as receivership manage, and uses his boastful claim of being a “liquidation specialist” to threaten media owners,” he said.
“Mr. Chabinga’s threats are deeply troubling and an affront to freedom of the press in Zambia. As a political leader, the Mafinga MP ought to understand the importance of respecting the independence of the media. Journalists are not party to the infighting within the PF. Their responsibility is to accurately inform the public about the happenings in society, in accordance with the editorial policy of media houses. Where there are leadership disputes in a given political party, the media is expected to provide a platform to both factions so that citizens get a fair understanding of the development.”
Mwansa said Chabinga’s intimidation tactics against the media discredit him as a leader worthy of running a political party.
“In this regard, we find that resorting to intimidation tactics against the media discredits Mr. Chabinga as a leader worthy of running a political party, let alone the affairs of this country. We call upon all-well meaning media associations and indeed the government to equivocally condemn the lawmaker for undermine the principle of press freedom and attempting to instill fear among journalists and media owners. Tolerating reckless statements such as one issued by Mr. Chabinga can leave a dangerous precedent of media harassment, even under warranted circumstances,” said Mwansa.
“We encourage journalists and media owners not to be cowed down or intimidated by these threats. The media plays a crucial role in our democracy, and it I essential that it continues to operate freely, fearlessly and without bias, regardless of political pressures. MOAZ stands in solidarity with all media professionals in Zambia and reaffirms our commitment to defending the freedom of the press. In closing, we urge Mr. Chabinga to retract his threats and engage with the media in a respectful and constructive manner befitting a leader of his nature.”