By Dingiswayo Zulu
Chipata 25th February 2023.
NKOMBO CONGRATULATES PARAMOUNT CHIEF MPEZENI IV FOR 40 YEARS OF PEACE AND HARMONY CONTRIBUTION TO ZAMBIA.
Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Hon Gary Nkombo has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Paramount Chief Mpezeni iv of the Ngoni-speaking people of Chipata and Eastern Province at large. Hon Nkombo said Government through the able leadership of his Excellence Mr Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the traditional leader for the role he has played to maintain peace and harmony after 40 years on the throne and wish him all the good and long health life to achieve more and assist Government through his wisdom.
Hon Nkombo said Government will consider all the requests for review as requested by his Majesty Mpezeni such as renaming the Great East Road to Umodzi Road for unity and prosperity.
In his speech His highness Paramount Chief Mpezeni iv said from the time he ascended on the throne he has served all the 7 Republican President and crowned himself the longest leader for the Ngoni-speaking people of Chipata and the entire Eastern Province.
His Majesty said he gets injured and worried when he sees or hears certain politicians taking the peace the country has been enjoying for granted. He said peace must continue in order for the nation develop well.
His Majesty has expressed concern on the number of scandals going on such as smuggling of maize to other countries when the stable grain needs to be subsidised to bring meali meal prices down. He has appealed to the the defense Chiefs through the government to tighten the security so that Zambia’s for security is not compromised.
Mpezeni iv also said appealed to the youths in his kingdom and around the Province to get educated and urged parents to stop early marrieges.
Hon Nkombo led a government delegation team that comprised the following leaders: Eastern Province Minister Hon Peter Phiri, Muchinga province Minister Hon Juma Sikazwe, Southern Province Minister Hon Cornelious Mweetwa, Water Development Minister Hon Mike Mposha, Small and Medium Enterprise Minister Hon Elias Mubanga, Permanent Secretary Special Duties Hon Patrick Mucheleka, Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Mr Paul Thole, Eastern Deputy Permanent Secretary Princes Beaulty Undi Phiri, Chipata DC, Katete DC, Sinda DC, Chasefu DC, Lundazi DC, UPND Deputy National Chairman Mr Andrew Banda, Alliance Representatives and various government and political leaders.
CIC PRESS TEAM
