Friend, Father, Companion – Regina

28 June 2011

THE widow of second president of the Republic of Zambia Frederick Chiluba, Regina has described her late husband as a friend, father and companion, who was her pillar of strength and source of pride.

In a statement read for her by a family member during a funeral service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Mrs Chiluba said the former president stood by her during her trial in court when she faced corruption charges.

She said she remained touched at the way Dr Chiluba accepted everyone into the family regardless of their status, and cited marketeers and call-boys whom he referred to as people under the office of the president.

Mrs Chiluba said it was clear that Dr Chiluba loved poor people deeply and had a special relationship with each of his children.

She said on June 16, Dr Chiluba held a meeting with President Banda and that he had been speaking highly about the outcome of that meeting until he died.

As Dr Chiluba loved the Zambia national soccer team and was an ardent supporter of the English premiership side, Arsenal, she said she always sat by his side to watch football matches.

“I will continue to support President Rupiah Banda. I will continue to support my party, the MMD and I apologise for the few times I misunderstood you,” she said.

Mrs Chiluba praised Dr Chiluba’s former wife, Vera and other relatives for the mature manner they had mourned the former president.

She said Dr Chiluba broke her heart when he died, having asked her to open some verses in the Bible shortly after she arrived from the Copperbelt Province.

And the family of the late leader has praised President Rupiah Banda for his outstanding gesture to ensure that Dr Chiluba was treated by the best medical doctors both in Zambia and abroad.

In his petition prayer, Dr Chiluba’s son, Darlington said the children would miss their father’s smile while another son Kaindu said the late president was a friend apart from being a father.

His daughter Huldah said Dr Chiluba lived by the meaning of his first name, Frederick, which means peace.

“The words you spoke to us in private remain part of our memory. You prayed and rejoiced with us,” Huldah said.

His nephew, Morgan Kasanda said Dr Chiluba may not have always been physically present where his relatives were but he always helped where there was need.

Mr Kasanda who read the life history said Dr Chiluba sought the divine protection of God when he declared Zambia as a Christian nation in December 1991.

He said the gap left by his death would not be recovered and praised President Banda for helping him receive treatment from the best medical doctors before he died.

Mr Kasanda said President Banda ensured that Dr Chiluba was evacuated to South Africa for medication even at short notice and that the family was grateful.

AllAfrica – All the Time