STOP CONTRADICTIONS

THE contradictions in the UPND have the potential to undermine credibility and trust which the ruling party has enjoyed thus far.

Party functionaries are contradicting Government leaders, thereby creating confusion, a matter which could erode public trust.

A case in point is the proposal by UPND Lusaka Province chairman, Obvious Mwaliteta, that the ruling party would form branches in bus stations and other public places to benefit youths, who are in actual sense are cadres.

Mr Mwaliteta’s unguarded sentiments are in stark contrast to President Hakainde Hichilema’s repeated assurance that cadres will not be allowed to stray into bus stations and markets ever again.

Further, Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Garry Nkombo, has toured markets and bus stations in Lusaka and committed to implementing the President’s directive.

Sadly, Mr Mwaliteta came out with guns-blazing to undo the government’s stance and further suggested that, in fact, mukula trade should be the preserve of UPND youths.

Why did Mr Mwaliteta, a provincial official, publicly contradict the President? Why did he choose to become rebellious at the time the Head of State was out of the country?

Citizens ought to know if Mr Mwaliteta’s sentiments are representative of the wide membership of the UPND.

Zambians have been left wondering if the rebellious outbursts are a manifestation of what is simmering within the ruling party.

In the more than one month the UPND has been in power, the country has been treated to many other contradictions, with the UPND Alliance spokespersons leading the chart.

In the UPND Alliance, Leslie Chikuse and Thabo Kawana have been taking turns speaking on government policy and unleashing venomous diatribe against dissenting voices.

The two gentlemen have also angrily dressed down any PF official who has dared to make any observation about the UPND’s position on many matters.

As we have stated earlier, the UPND officials and those in the alliance must stick to party matters while Information and Media Minister, Chushi Kasanda, should speak about government policy as Chief Government spokesperson.

The party and government should have separate information outlets handled in a unifying and seamless manner.

In fact, the UPND has been in the opposition for a long time with long-standing Members of Parliament, who are now ministers.

It is expected, therefore, that by now information outflow should have been seamless and well-thought-out.

Coming out in the manner Mr Mwaliteta did was in itself promoting unbridled “caderism” which the top leadership in Government has been condemning.

Therefore, the UPND must settle now and ensure all party functionaries act responsibly to avoid lawlessness.