As expected the ruling PF has said Lusaka province Minister Mulenga Sata is not a factor.
The PF also says Mulenga Sata, son to the founding president of the ruling party was not an active member of the party.
But Mulenga was Lusaka Mayor before he was nominated as MP and appointed Minister. In the PF he was until today Lusaka District chairman.
Mulenga today quit PF, relinquished his Ministerial and parliamentary seat.
Reacting to the development ZNBC reports that Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili says the resignation of Lusaka Province Minister Mulenga Sata has no impact on government.
Dr Kambwili says government is bigger than Mr Sata and any other individual.
And Mr Kambwili has challenged Mr Sata to disclose his real reasons for resigning because what he has claimed is not true.
He said there are reasons for the resignation which Mr Sata should honestly state.
Dr Kambwili who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister says late President Michael Sata should be turning in his grave that his son has betrayed the party he fought for.
He wondered why Mulenga Sata is accusing government of neglecting the people’s because the PF is still implementing the manifesto which President Sata left.
Dr Kambwili said Mr Sata should have used internal channels to address his grievances other than defecting which he described as an act of cowardice.
And Dr Kambwili said Mulenga Sata was never an active member of the PF.
He said Mr Sata only joined the PF after it formed government and was later appointed Deputy Minister by President Edgar Lungu.
Dr Kambwili said Mr Sata should have shown appreciation to President Lungu other than raising unsubstantiated claims.
And PF Secretary General Davies Chama says the resignation of Mulenga Sata from the PF has not impact on the ruling party.
Mr. Chama says the real PF members remain resolute and steadfast in supporting President Edgar Lungu.
He said disgruntled members will leave party at their own time.
Mr. Chama said this is because individuals have the freedom of association and assembly.
And PF Lusaka Province Chairman Horace Longwe says Mr. Sata’s was not factor in the PF.
Mr Longwe stated that the PF is aware of Mr Sata’s plans and that he wanted to coerce other Lusaka councillors into defection but they declined.
The PF Lusaka provincial chairman also commended two councillors, Robinson Kalota and Humfrey Kapapula who he said resisted attempts to force them to defect to the UPND.
Mr Longwe was speaking at a press briefing held in Lusaka.
And Mr Kapapula revealed that Mr Sata had invited him to the home of UPND leader last night were he was informed that he should attend a press briefing this morning which he declined.