Lungu canes absentee MPs
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has directed Members of Parliament to always be in touch with people in their respective constituencies in order to serve them better.
The President said he had disturbing reports that some MPs had not been visiting their constituencies to listen to the people who voted them into office.
Mr Lungu said this yesterday when he arrived at Kalulushi South Down Airport on a 2-day visit to inspect developmental projects in Kalulushi, Kitwe and Chingola.
He urged MPs to work hard and deliver their campaign promises or be replaced by those who were ready to serve the people.
President Lungu warned that MPs who were not visiting their constituencies to listen to the people would be replaced in the adoptions for the 2021 elections.
“MPs, we are receiving reports that some of you have abandoned your constituencies, please come back to your constituencies and work with the people.
“If you abandon your constituencies, don’t complain if you are replaced in the adoptions for the 2021 elections,” Mre said.
The President also said he was deeply concerned at the increasing land wrangles in Kitwe and urged Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe to resolve issues in the best interest of parties involved.
“I have heard a lot of things in Kitwe like land wrangles at the Nkana Polo Club and other areas. You the Mayor, Mr Kang’ombe, I am expecting you to resolve these wrangles,” he said. President Lungu urged the Kitwe Mayor and other leaders to be humble and serve the interest of the people who elected them into office.
The President said leaders at various levels should not be arrogant, but should be humble and listen to their followers.
He said any leader who chose to be arrogant and disrespectful, should be ready to be ejected from the position.
“As a leader, do not talk too much, but do most of the listening so that you know what people want. If you decide to be disrespectful and arrogant, the same people who voted for you, will remove you.
“So be good to people, especially the vulnerable because our role as leaders is to serve the vulnerable. Those garden boys, plumbers and others,’’ he said.
President Lungu also said he would concentrate on facilitating development in the country despite some politicians issuing derogatory statements against him. He said derogatory statements would not stop him from performing his duties.
Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe, PF Copperbelt chairman Stephen Kainga, Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu were some of the people on hand to welcome the President.
— President Lungu I have heard a lot of things in Kitwe like land wrangles at the Nkana Polo Club and other areas. You the Mayor, Mr Kang’ombe, I am expecting you to resolve these wrangles.