I have suffered like Jesus, says Chiluba

LUSAKA – Former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba, who is facing corruption charges, has likened his “suffering” to that of Jesus Christ, after watching the film The Passion Of The Christ.

“I have suffered after stepping down from the presidency, but not like Jesus did. I have just suffered a quarter of that,” Chiluba told a local newspaper this week.It said Chiluba made the comment after watching Mel Gibson’s controversial new film The Passion Of The Christ in Lusaka.Chiluba’s successor, Levy Mwanawasa, hit back on Tuesday, saying that Chiluba, who is out on bail, has been given an expensive vehicle, house and security on state expenses and had no reason to complain.”Chiluba is also being investigated for motor vehicle theft, which is not bailable.He is the one who passed that law,” Mwanawasa told reporters in Lusaka.”But if he pushes his luck too far, the law will visit him,” he warned.Chiluba is currently facing several charges of corruption, abuse of office and theft of public funds amounting to more than US$45 million.His trial is expected to resume next week.Mwanawasa warned that Chiluba would “not be given any special treatment different from other suspects”.”I don’t understand why Chiluba should be a sacred cow,” Mwanawasa said.- Nampa-AFPI have just suffered a quarter of that,” Chiluba told a local newspaper this week.It said Chiluba made the comment after watching Mel Gibson’s controversial new film The Passion Of The Christ in Lusaka.Chiluba’s successor, Levy Mwanawasa, hit back on Tuesday, saying that Chiluba, who is out on bail, has been given an expensive vehicle, house and security on state expenses and had no reason to complain.”Chiluba is also being investigated for motor vehicle theft, which is not bailable.He is the one who passed that law,” Mwanawasa told reporters in Lusaka.”But if he pushes his luck too far, the law will visit him,” he warned.Chiluba is currently facing several charges of corruption, abuse of office and theft of public funds amounting to more than US$45 million.His trial is expected to resume next week.Mwanawasa warned that Chiluba would “not be given any special treatment different from other suspects”.”I don’t understand why Chiluba should be a sacred cow,” Mwanawasa said.- Nampa-AFP