By Daily Star Reporter
I think that those that are seeing President Hakainde Hichilema from afar, start getting closer maybe you will understand him, says leader of the opposition National Revolution Party (NRP) Cosmo Mumba.
As he for the first time showered the President who he, prior to last year’s elections called names and said he wasn’t going to win, Mumba said “some of us were very far, we are getting closer and we are getting to understand him.”
The opposition leader applauded the Head of State for how he has been handling president Rupiah Banda’s funeral.
He also commended President Hichilema for putting an end to cadrism as he said love and peace has been prevailing during the fourth president’s funeral procession.
“We appreciate the government of the Republic of Zambia under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. What we have seen today, there is no cadrism here. There is nothing like ichikwela where you meet with cadres, cadres begging for money, cadres harassing you. We have peacefully entered the funeral procession, we have peacefully left. This cabinet you have done a good job. There was traffic control, it was excellent. So when President Hichilema says there is no cadrim I will believe him. This is how it’s supposed to be,” he said.
“I was one of the first critics of President Hakainde Hichilema but he didn’t refuse to greet me, he greeted me together with the first lady Mutinta Hichilema. I greeted former president Lungu, I greeted also the President then he ah Cosmo you have also come. I think that those that are seeing President Hichilema from afar, start getting closer maybe you will understand him. Some of us were very far, we are getting closer and we are getting to understand. No cadrism and it has manifested here. On behalf of our party we thank you for stopping cadrism and maintaining peace and order in our country. This funeral was well organized.”
President Banda who many will remember for his statesmanship will be put to rest today