Let bygones be bygones
By SIMON MUNTEMBA in Mongu PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on the people of Western province to work with his administration to foster development in the region regardless of how they voted in 2016.
And President Lungu said contrary to what the opposition were telling the people of Western province, he loves them.
Speaking when he addressed a public rally at Mulambwa grounds in Mongu on Sunday, President Lungu said it was time to forget about the past and work together to develop the Province.
The Head of state said he still loves the people of Western province even if they voted against him in the previous elections.
“Let’s bury the past and work together. I have come to work with you and deliver what I promised. I have come to tell you that don’t be cheated by those who said President Lungu does not love you. That’s a lie.
“So forget how you voted in 2016, those who didn’t know me now know me and I’m sure you will do better in 2021,” President Lungu said.
And President Lungu said people should not be cheated that there will be change of government anytime soon before 2021 because he was in charge until the next general elections. He however expressed confidence that he will win with more votes in 2021 because he has won the hearts of Zambians.
“Some of you believe that there will be elections tomorrow. There will be no change of government anytime soon before 2021. And I will get more votes in 2021 because those who didn’t know me now know me,” the President said. President Lungu has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to develop the Province and Zambia as a whole regardless of political affiliation.
And at the same rally, over 60 people from the opposition political parties defected to the ruling Patriotic Front. Among the defectors was UPND Mabili ward Councillor Rigan Mutukwa who said he decided to join PF because of its good leadership.
Councillor Mutukwa said after deep reflection, he freely joined PF without being paid by anyone. “I’m seeing President Edgar Lungu for the first time here and I have decided to join PF because that’s where the wind is blowing.
“There is nothing in UPND apart from fake promises which will never be fulfilled. And let’s embrace politics of unity,” the councillor said.
And President Lungu praised the councillor for being brave.
President Lungu said he knows the UPND leadership was intimidating and thanked him for making a bold decision to work with government.