And he was probably dead right. But following the deaths of former presidents Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa, questions are being asked whether it is prudent or wise to keep certain pieces of legislation in the statute books. The late charismatic president Chiluba, made one blunder niggardly when he executed his presidential power over Parliament to enact and pass the addled Presidential Retirement Act above national interest.
This Act provides that upon retirement or death of every successive president, the state should provide, among stately benefits and entitlements, construction of a new house with all presidential trappings in a place of his or her choice anywhere in the country. Additionally, the retiring president is entitled to getting 80 percent salary of the incumbent; no less than three vehicles; three housesâ workers as well as security personnel. The Zambian parliament that passed this legislation included notable members of parliament (MPs), lettered minds, scholars, professors, law luminaries, political thinkers and moral crusadersâ but all sat mutely, thereby allowing the Bill to go through.
