Job Sikhala says he has no problems working at Tendai Biti’s law firm while he backs Morgan Tsvangirai politically. “I am not conflicte...
Job Sikhala says he has no problems working at Tendai Biti’s
law firm while he backs Morgan Tsvangirai politically.
“I am not conflicted in as far as my political position and
views are concerned,” he said. “I am a professional first and politician
second. I couldn’t think twice when senior counsel Tendai Biti offered me an
opportunity to work under him in my lawyering profession.
“Biti is one of the finest legal minds in the country. He
is a phenomenon in law,” Sikhala told The Standard, while listing a litany of
landmark court victories that the former Finance minister has under his belt.
He added: “These are just small highlights of some of the
finest cases Biti argued, which developed our jurisprudence from one end to
another level.
“To be the best, you must pass through the hands of the
best. “That’s where my relationship with Biti begins and ends. A purely
professional relationship. He is preparing me to be among the best.”
The MDC-T national executive member said his political
views had not changed despite his relationship with Biti.
“Politically, I am with Morgan Tsvangirai. The other issue
you must understand is that I don’t hate anyone whom I once worked with during
the difficult stage of our struggle,” he said.
“Forming the MDC in 1999 against a frightening dictatorship
was not a stroll in the park. It needed brave men and women.”
Sikhala said anyone who found it awkward that he works for
Biti “should be demented, when all and sundry were comfortable to sit with
Robert Mugabe during the inclusive government.”
“Although the party should not interfere with the
professional interests and pursuits of its members, I had the courtesy to visit
my president Morgan Tsvangirai to tell him that I was joining Tendai Biti,”
Sikhala said.
“Like what I said on your first question, at Biti’s firm,
it’s a factory and brewery of law. I am under the stewardship of the best and
to be the best you need to be under the best.
“So far, I am astonished with the volume of intellectual
and legal gain I have obtained.”
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