FULL STATEMENT: DR NEVERS MUMBA ON PARTNERSHIP WITH UPND
The New Hope MMD has resolved to forge a partnership with the UPND based on a set of common values.
Party President Dr Nevers Mumba announced the partnership yesterday morning at a briefing at Democracy House.
The partnership is based on seven common values, that include Rule of law (order), Fight against Corruption, Repeal of the POA, Unity of the Nation – Ensuring that tribalism and partisanship is not allowed, Grow the Economy and Clear the Debt, upholding human rights, and renew foreign policy for Zambia to have a place on the global round table.
Dr Mumba said the New Hope MMD shall support every effort by the new government to deliver on these fundamental policy positions.
“These are policy positions we would have employed had the Zambian people given us the mandate to govern. President Hichilema and I have discussed this partnership based on our shared values,” Dr Mumba told the journalists and party supporters.
“This is not an entry into the UPND Alliance as that is a separate process. This is a partnership to support what we believe is a positive programme for the nation.”
Dr Mumba said that the UPND has so far demonstrated a clear determination to pursue the values (policies) that agree with MMD’s
He explained that the partnership is meant to encourage Zambians to learn how to support what is good for the nation regardless of who is doing that good.
“UPND has chosen the right path and our partnership is meant to help them stay on that path,” Dr Mumba explained further.
“We remain committed to this partnership to the end unless and until the UPND decides to abandon these values. As long as UPND remains on this positive path we remain committed to being dependable partners both in word and in deed with effect from today.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mumba says he is aware
that some of his personal friends, family and church members are distraught about his turbulent journey in politics.
“Each time I stumble and fall, they share both in my pain and shame. They weep in their private and silent moments about me,” he said.
He assured both his friends and opponents that his strength to continue on this path or not does not depend on how many times he fails but on the life long vision of Zambia Shall Be Saved.
Dr Mumba vowed that he will never quit.
“Never. I am determined to support any progressive good for my country. Some have even gone as far as pronouncing me to be on Sabbatical leave. I am not on any leave. I am leader of the New Hope MMD and as of today we have further partnered with our colleagues in the UPND to deliver on the seven common values already alluded to,” Dr Mumba said.
“This is not a compromise on my part. It is part of the process of supporting what is good for the nation and I ask all progressive Zambians to join in and use this new found freedom to improve the quality of life for all Zambians.”