Reject ‘Panga for Panga’ leaders
….they are instigating violence for their individual interests - Mutati
LEADERS propagating the so-called ‘Panga for Panga’ are instigating violence for their individual interests and should be rejected by all Zambians, MMD president Felix Mutati said yesterday.
Mutati, who was speaking at a Catholic Church congregation in Mtendere where he was invited, said a good leader should always seek protection of the interest of the common man as opposed to their personal interests.
Mr Mutati, who is Minister of Works and Supply, advised the congregants to vote in peace and avoid repeating the violence which was witnessed in 2016 saying ‘Panga for Panga’ was not the solution to the challenges facing the country.
“A good leader is one who seeks to protect the interest of the common man and not their own interests as individuals. Mtendere recorded one of the highest incidents of political violence in 2016 elections, and as we go into this week of voting the people of Mtendere should say no to people that instigate violence.
“Panga for Panga is not a solution to our country's social, economic and political challenges. Panga for panga is the problem that we are facing today. Panga for panga has brought nations down and as Zambians we need to say no to such leadership.
“We should not allow such things to happen in our country. Go and vote in peace and put the interest of our children, brothers and sisters ahead of our own interest,” Mr Mutati said.
He said as people go to vote for their mayor this week, voters should desist from engaging in political violence as it was detrimental to the country's development agenda.
The minister later knelt before the church as the parish priest and congregation prayed for him.