HH speech to parliament was hollow – Musenge
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s speech was completely hollow, says APP leader Mwenya Musenge.
Last Friday, President Hichilema addressing the nation, through parliament, on progress made in the application of the national values and principles.
Reacting to the Head of State’s speech, Musenge, a former Copperbelt minister and now Alliance for People’s Prosperity (APP) leader said President Hichilema should next time take time to write a speech that will carry a strong message to Zambians.
“It was a waste of time and resources, the speech was completely hollow. He talked of tribalism when he is the chief architect of the vice. All you need to do is look at how he has structured his government, it is all based on tribalism,” he said. “He also talked of moral fibre and only picked on alcohol abuse, gender based violence and teenage pregnancies. These issues are not as serious as those of LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender). This is the issue currently eating up the moral fibre of our society. Why did he shy away from commenting on this issue? This is a matter that is being talked about in our communities and the church. Why is he avoiding talking about it? Is he compromised? This issue (LGBT) is more prominent in Lusaka where he is.”
Musenge said the issue of alcoholism is associated with the high levels of unemployment in Zambia.
“People are stressed, they have no jobs and they can’t put a meal on the table. So they resort to drinking all sorts of alcohol including the illegal ones just to bring a smile back on their faces,” he argued.
On education, Musenge said the UPND government has only managed to give children a class and a teacher as parents still have to spend money on uniforms, shoes and books.
“The speech did not bring solace to Zambians’ problems. It was a waste of time and resources. We expect the President in future to take time and prepare a speech that will carry a strong message to citizens,” urged Musenge.