Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s Plea for Leniency for Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela Exposes UPND’s Illegalities and President Hakainde’s Overreach
By Thandiwe Ketis
I recently watched a video in which Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, a PF Member of Parliament who has now seemingly become a surrogate for the UPND, appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema in Luapula Province to intervene in the incarceration of two PF Members of Parliament, Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela. This disturbing plea raises serious questions about the state of Zambia’s democracy, the erosion of judicial independence, and the dangerous overreach of President Hakainde’s administration.
The question that begs an answer is: why should President Hichilema be the one to show leniency? Such a plea implies that the judiciary no longer operates independently and further suggests that President Hakainde is complicit in the imprisonment of these two opposition MPs.
The Injustice of Presidential Intervention
Zambia is a nation founded on the principle of separation of powers, where the executive, judiciary, and legislature operate independently to safeguard democracy. So why is Dr. Chilufya appealing to the President for leniency, bypassing the judiciary? Both Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela are entitled to a fair judicial process and the right to appeal their convictions, which they have exercised. However, for reasons that appear to serve political interests, their appeals have reportedly been denied without just cause.
Dr. Chilufya’s plea to the President casts a dark shadow over the credibility of Zambia’s judicial system. It exposes the extent to which political influence has infiltrated the justice system under the UPND government. This is not just a miscarriage of justice—it is a blatant abuse of power, where political rivals are targeted and silenced through the manipulation of state institutions.
The Role of Dr. Chitalu Chilufya: Betrayal of Principles
Dr. Chilufya’s actions are nothing short of a betrayal of the principles he once stood for as a member of the opposition. Instead of standing in solidarity with his PF colleagues and demanding that their appeals be heard through impartial legal processes, he has aligned himself with the very administration that seems determined to suppress dissent.
By appealing directly to President Hakainde, Dr. Chilufya not only validates suspicions that President Hakainde is involved in the MPs’ incarceration but also undermines the fight for justice. His actions send a clear message: political survival is more important than standing up for the truth or defending democratic norms. This behavior is not only disheartening but dangerous, as it sets a precedent for sacrificing principles for political expediency.
President Hakainde’s Overreach and the Perils of Authoritarianism
The fact that Dr. Chilufya directed his plea to President Hichilema instead of the courts highlights a deeply troubling reality. It suggests that the President wields undue influence over the judiciary, a scenario that should alarm every Zambian who values democracy and the rule of law.
President Hakainde has repeatedly spoken about respecting the rule of law, yet his actions and the actions of his administration tell a different story. If he had no role in the imprisonment of Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela, why is he being called upon to show leniency? The mere suggestion of such intervention underscores the perception that the UPND is using state institutions to settle political scores.
This overreach is not only a direct violation of the principles of democracy but a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism. Zambia is a country governed by its Constitution, not the whims of an individual or a political party. President Hichilema must recognize that his role is to uphold the law, not manipulate it for political gain.
The Bigger Picture: Zambia’s Democracy at Risk
The plight of Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela is a stark reminder of the broader dangers posed by the UPND administration’s governance style. The use of state institutions to silence opposition voices, whether through questionable legal actions or outright intimidation, is a direct threat to Zambia’s democratic fabric.
True leadership demands respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. By undermining these principles, the UPND government is eroding public trust in Zambia’s democratic institutions. If this trend continues, it could set a dangerous precedent where the judiciary becomes a mere tool of the executive, and political persecution becomes the norm.
The right thing to do is clear: Hon. Nixon Chilangwa and Hon. Ronald Chitotela must be afforded the opportunity to appeal their convictions in an impartial court of law. Any interference by the executive, whether to secure a conviction or to grant leniency, is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of Zambia’s democracy.
Conclusion: A Call to Defend Democracy
Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s plea for leniency has inadvertently exposed the troubling realities of the UPND government and President Hakainde’s overreach. This incident is a wake-up call for all Zambians who value democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
President Hakainde must come to his senses and recognize that Zambia is not his personal fiefdom. It is a democratic nation where no individual, no matter how powerful, is above the Constitution. As the leader of this nation, he has a responsibility to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and fairness—not to weaponize state institutions for political gain.
Zambia’s democratic institutions are the backbone of the nation, and their independence must be fiercely protected. It is time for President Hichilema to step back, respect the rule of law, and allow justice to take its course without interference. Only then can Zambia begin to rebuild trust in its institutions and safeguard the democratic values that have long been its foundation.
As Zambians, we must remain vigilant in defending our democracy. The cost of complacency is too high, and the consequences of inaction too dire. Let us hold our leaders accountable and demand that they govern with integrity, respect, and a commitment to the rule of law. Only then can Zambia truly thrive as a democratic nation.