“It wasn’t a bribe, only bad timing” — Wicknell Chivayo claims he had no idea that advocate Uriri was part of a legal team challenging CAB3

_… He claimed to have nothing to hide and was too busy with legitimate business to waste time…_

_… Adding that he prays God keeps Mnangagwa in power until 2037…_

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo has hit back at war veterans who dragged him to court, describing their application as “hopeless, frivolous and vexatious” while insisting he has nothing to hide.

Chivayo said he respects war veterans and their right to approach the courts, but warned that if they continue attacking him, he will continue responding.

On the constitutional and electoral changes at the centre of the dispute, Chivayo said Parliament passed the law and President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed it into law, questioning why he should be blamed for the decision.

He said citizens have the constitutional right to choose their preferred political party and presidential candidate, adding that the war veterans could field their own candidate.

*Chivayo: ‘Current leadership is in office until 2030’*

Chivayo said the current leadership is in office until 2030, adding that he prays God keeps the leadership safe until 2037.

He also maintained that those who disagree with the current leadership are free to exercise their constitutional right to choose and vote for a different candidate.

*‘I did not bribe Uriri’*

Chivayo dismissed allegations that his proposed gift to Advocate Lewis Uriri SC was an attempt to bribe, influence or improperly induce the lawyer.

He described the suggestion as “absurd” and “foolish”, saying it was simply a gesture of appreciation.

He acknowledged that the timing was unfortunate because he was unaware that Uriri was involved in a case connected to interests involving him.

Chivayo said he is a businessman, not a lawyer, and does not follow court rolls or track which lawyers are appearing in particular cases.

He stressed that the proposed gift was announced publicly, there was no secret meeting or hidden payment, and Uriri publicly declined it.

Chivayo said he respected the lawyer’s decision and had no hard feelings.

*‘Bad timing, not bad intention’*

Chivayo said court matters should be settled in court and insisted he would not litigate through social media or interfere in matters that are sub judice.

He urged people not to confuse “bad timing with bad intention.”

The businessman ended by saying he had nothing to hide and was too busy with legitimate business to waste time on conspiracy theories.

He made the remarks while travelling aboard his Gulfstream G550 over the Swiss Alps, saying he was enjoying high-speed WiFi and was about to have breakfast. *_-ZimBreakingNews_*