WORDS OF WISDOM

VETERAN politician Sikota Wina is undisputedly in order to assert that opposition parties are not playing their rightful role because they are too focused on hate speech. True. One just has to look at how these opposition parties are going about spreading hate speech and insulting those in power day in day out. It has simply become their preoccupation! The presidency has not been spared from disparaging remarks either, while criticism and blasting of government officials has become routine and the anthem of Zambian politics. But since when did insults and hate speech supersede the opposition’s vital role of providing proper checks and balances? And who says Government should not be criticised when they make mistakes or veer away from the laid down social, economic and democratic ideals in their quest to deliver development? No government is immune from criticism in the world provided that criticism is constructive. But nay, this is not what is happening in Zambia as hatred and insults have become fashionable and deep rooted in politics. If opposition parties truly care about the people as they claim, they will do well to heed the advice of the former veteran politician and freedom fighter for them to play their intended role. Well, in a politically polarised and divided atmosphere as this one, it is unlikely that the opposition parties will listen to Mr Wina. But whether they do or not, they are a let down. As Mr Wina observes, destructive criticism, hate speech and unnecessarily blasting of the government should not be the daily preoccupation of the opposition. Instead, the opposition should be providing constructive checks and balances by reminding the government of the election promises they made to the people. Those in power on the other hand should care to listen if what the opposition are putting on the table makes sense. We urge the opposition to change their formula by moving away from spreading hate speech and offer solutions to challenges the nation is faced with. Politics should not be used for personal vendettas or battles but to serve the citizens of the country. Just as Mr Wina rightly puts it, it’s not all that opposition need to criticise, opposition should learn to applaud Government where they succeed. In that way they will be respected by the people who they so much want to serve.