Opposition salutes Lungu over speech
OPPOSITION political parties have applauded President Edgar Lungu for reaffirming the need for reconciliation and his concern for the underprivileged in the society.
Third Liberation Movement (3rdLM) president Enock Tonga said President Lungu’s address to Parliament on progress made on the application of values and principles was candid and articulated issues of political as well as gender violence.
Mr Tonga said the Head of State presented a blue print on how political violence could be quelled and challenged Members of Parliament and public office holders as well as citizens to take proactive measures.
He challenged and questioned lawmakers who had been hesitant to present Private Members Bill in response to how political violence could be averted.
“We would like to commend President Lungu for his national address to Parliament and presenting real issues,” Mr Tonga said.
He observed that President Lungu shook hands with both ruling and opposition lawmakers and was not selective in the way he engaged with members of the House.
And National Congress Party (NCP) leader Peter Chanda said President Lungu’s concern on the minimum wage should be keenly followed up by the Minister of Labour and Social Security Joyce Nonde- Simukoko.
Mr. Chanda said it was unfortunate that some security firms were offering their employees as little as K800 when in in fact firms who contracted them provided adequate funds.
He said President Lungu’s articulation of issues in the House had shown that he was concerned with the plight of the downtrodden in the society.