LUNGU JUST SAID THE TRUTH
FORMER President Edgar Lungu recently issued a statement regarding police harassment against the opposition political party members. He said the continued harassment of the citizens, notably perceived political opponents was regrettable and should not be allowed to continue.
Former President Lungu also implored President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene in the unprofessional conduct of the police which has gone to extremes. He said that if the harassment of the opposition political party members by the police is not expeditiously addressed, this might force people to ask President Hichilema to step down and pave the way for a general election before 2026.
However, Mr Lungu's statement was misconstrued by some civil society organisations, traditional leaders, the clergy and individuals, condemning him for issuing a statement on police harassment.
The CSPs and individuals accused former President Lungu of inciting anarchy in the country. In all honesty, this is not the case.
It is important to call a spade a spade. What is certain is that the truth hurts. Indeed, the truth has hurt the United Party for National Development because of Mr. Lungu's statement on police harassment.
Mr. Lungu's statement has been taken out of context. Simply put, it was misinterpreted by those who recently appeared during the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television main news last Thursday.
It is in the public domain that there is no rule of law, democratic space and above all, police brutality is the order of the day under the new dawn administration.
In my view, Mr. Lungu's statement was misconstrued by the enemies of democracy. The question begging for an answer is, "who doesn't know that illegality is condoned under the UPND government?"
The case in point is that of the embattled Matero lawmaker Miles Bwalya Sampa. Mr. Sampa is illegally holding the Patriotic Front leadership.
It is regrettable that the Speaker, Ms. Nelly Mutti has allowed Mr. Sampa to attend parliamentary sessions despite the latter being expelled by the other Patriotic Front faction.
Mr. Sampa is holding the leadership of the Patriotic Front illegally because he was elected at an illegal general conference on October 24, 2023. This should not be condoned.
And in case Zambians have forgotten, President Hichilema when in opposition called on President Lungu to resign in view of the rising cost of living. The cost of living under the Patriotic Front regime was not worse than it is under the UPND government.