He said the NCC was instituted to adopt the republican constitution but regretted that the Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has withdrawn on grounds that they are just escorting the MMD. Mwanasawa said the argument advanced by the Oasis forum that the NCC Chairperson and his vice should be appointed by members is unrealistic and Government would not succumb to their demands. He advised Zambians not to make leadership experiments because they may end up regretting. The President said the country has enjoyed peace and only requires good leadership to chart the way forward. The President advised Zambians not to follow what the Oasis Forum was doing because doing so would make the country unstable. He regretted that the constitution making process has taken four years because of unreasonable opposition to the process. The President observed that even if people criticising his Government take to the streets to protest against the adoption of the constitution through the National constitutional Conference (NCC), Government will not reverse its decision. He complained that some members of the opposition and Civil Society were fond of changing goal posts each time Government accomodated their concerns. The President who described those criticising his administration as being unpatriotic, said Government will not change its position on the constitutional making process. The President said the country is dogged with so many problems which need support from all stakeholders. He wondered why the Forum invited Former President Frederick Chiluba to be their consultant and advisor on matters relating to the Constitution when he is accused of having stolen colossal sums of money. Mwanasawa accused the Oasis Forum of having a personal hatred against him. He charged that the Oasis Forum has never condemned corrupt people publicly but were quick in criticising Government. Mwanawasa who was addressing Mazabuka residents, also accused the Oasis Forum of failing to support his crusade against corruption. He said he was disappointed to see photographs of Oasis leaders hand in hand with people accused of plundering the economy.

The President said this in Mazabuka, Southern Province, Tuesday on arrival at Nakambala football ground.

President Mwanawasa has taken a swipe at the Oasis Forum for teaming up with people facing corruption charges, to undermine his Government over the constitutional making process.

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