“Suddenly It’s Five” – Anu Adeleke Challenges Davido’s Claims of Multiple DNA Tests
The controversy surrounding Anu Adeleke, the teenager claiming to be Davido’s biological daughter, has taken a new turn as she publicly questions the singer’s consistency regarding paternity tests.
The Discrepancy
In an emotional rebuttal to Davido’s recent outbursts, Anu highlighted a significant contradiction in his narrative. She questioned how the singer went from claiming two DNA tests were conducted to now asserting that five separate tests returned negative results. She insisted that, to her knowledge, the rigorous testing history Davido describes never happened.
“It Was Fake”
Anu went a step further to allege foul play regarding the only test she acknowledges. She claimed that her mother maintains only one test was ever administered facilitated by Davido’s father, Dr. Deji Adeleke and alleges that the result was doctored.
She wrote:
“At first, he said there were two. Now suddenly it’s five. He even said the last one happened on my 10th birthday. According to my mom, we only went for one test, which Chief Dr Deji Adeleke took us to, and it was fake.”
Emotional Distress
The teenager also expressed her devastation at the singer’s harsh response. She noted that she never expected to be “cursed out” or bullied by the man she believes is her father, nor did she anticipate his public threats to have her mother imprisoned. She reiterated that her initial demand for a test was born out of a desperate need to stop the bullying she endures from classmates who mock her identity.
‘We took 5 negative DNA tests’ — Davido fires back at girl claiming he’s her dad
David Adeleke, the Afrobeats star better known as Davido, has issued a rebuttal after an online paternity claim by a teenager.
The controversy began when an Instagram user Anu Adeleke posted an open letter pleading with the singer to take a DNA test.
The young lady, who said she was about to enter her teenage years, claimedthat not knowing her father had led to severe bullying and mental anguish throughout her school life.
She stated she was seeking to establish her identity and respectfully requested the test from “Mr David Adeleke”.
Breaking: Canada Is Repairing Ties With China and Here Is Why ->
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney didn’t go to China on a whim. This visit is about reality setting in.
For years, Canada was told to treat China as a problem to be managed rather than a partner to engage. That advice didn’t come from Ottawa. It came from Washington. And Canada paid the price for following it.
China is not a marginal economy. It’s the world’s largest trading nation, a manufacturing superpower and central to global energy, supply chains and growth. Cutting yourself off from that doesn’t make you principled. It makes you poorer and more dependent.
Meanwhile, what did Canada get in return for loyalty to the US? Tariffs slapped on Canadian steel and aluminium.
Threats to tear up USMCA. Economic pressure used openly as leverage. And constant reminders that allies are disposable when US domestic politics demand it.
This is the part that rarely gets said out loud: Canada didn’t “pivot” to China. It was pushed there by American behaviour.
When the US uses trade as a weapon, undermines partners and treats agreements as temporary inconveniences, countries adapt. They don’t do it out of ideology. They do it out of survival.
Re-engaging with China is Canada acting like an adult in a multipolar world. Diversifying trade. Reducing vulnerability. Repairing damage that was never in Canada’s interest to begin with.
And let’s be honest about the moral posturing too. Canada trades with plenty of countries it disagrees with. So does the US. Values suddenly becoming a barrier only when China is involved has always rung hollow.
This visit is simply a quiet acknowledgment: the tired old playbook doesn’t work anymore. Blind alignment hasn’t protected Canada’s economy, its sovereignty, or its leverage.
This isn’t betrayal, it’s a course correction.
And it’s happening not because China forced anything, but because the US showed, repeatedly, that even close allies are expendable when power is on the line
In a world like that, repairing ties with China isn’t radical, it’s completely rational.
What do you think, is this the start of Canada reclaiming strategic independence, or just a temporary pause before more pressure from Washington?
ONE BAD MOVE FROM WAR? IRAN CLAIMS HYPERSONIC MISSILES AIMED AT ISRAEL
Fears of a dangerous new escalation erupted last night after claims from Iranian-linked intelligence sources suggested Tehran has hypersonic missiles “locked on” to eight Israeli military targets. According to the unverified reports, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is allegedly prepared to deploy next-generation missiles capable of striking key Israeli air bases and strategic installations.
While neither side has confirmed the claims, the mere suggestion has sent shockwaves through security circles. Hypersonic missiles travel at extreme speeds and can change direction mid-flight, making them notoriously difficult to detect or intercept with existing defence systems.
Military analysts warn that even rumours of such weapons entering the equation dramatically raise the stakes in an already volatile region. One miscalculation, one order given too quickly, could trigger consequences far beyond the Middle East.
For now, the world watches nervously hoping this is brinkmanship, not a countdown.
UGANDA: CDF Gen. Muhoozi has congratulated the Ugandan people for voting peacefully and commended the security team for maintaining peace and order across Uganda.
He however mentioned that the trending video clip of unknown persons seen marking ballot papers in the bush are Bobi Wine’s desperate supporters whose mission is well known.
He added that the security apparatus are on high alert monitoring the situation closely after some reports reached him that the same people are planning to sneak in the marked ballot papers today midnight.
He said that even if they’ll bring the marked ballot papers through spirits they won’t manage to enter any polling station in Uganda.
Meanwhile Museveni is in his rural home waiting for the official announcement of the winner come Saturday 5PM in the evening.
UPND’s TREVOR MWIINDE DEMANDS APOLOGY FROM MILES SAMPA OVER ECZ ‘ILLEGAL POLLING STATION’ CLAIM.
By: Justin Banda
United Party for National Development UPND youth deputy chairperson for politics and mobilisation Trevor Mwiinde has demanded an apology from Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa for accusing the electoral commission of Zambia(ECZ)for setting up an illegal polling station during the Chawama by election.
Speaking at Chawama primary school which was the totaling center for the elections Mr. Mwiinde urged politicians to be factual whenever they make reports.
He also expressed gratitude that the elections were held without any violence.
Mr. Mwiinde called on Zambians to conduct themselves the same way during the August polls. #SunFmTvNews
It is critical for us to conduct a post election strategic review and conduct an institutional assessment of chawama by-elections.
“He who refuses to look at his footprint cannot know where the road bent.”
This review sets out a candid, structured, and non-adversarial assessment of the factors that materially contributed to the loss of the Chawama Parliamentary By-Election. The objective is corrective governance, not retrospective blame.
Here are the 10 reasons why we lost Kabwata.
Weaponisation of Collective Emotion by Opponents
PF and FDD successfully prosecuted a campaign grounded not in policy alternatives or developmental propositions, but in emotive symbolism, leveraging the image and memory of a late Head of State as a mobilising device.
“Emotion often defeats reason where reason fails to speak loudly.”
While legally permissible, this strategy exposed a vulnerability: where our message did not sufficiently counter sentiment with substance, emotion prevailed. No alternative policy framework was offered by our opponents yet sentiment saying Tulelosha bane ( we are mourning) filled the vacuum.
Strategic Under-Resourcing of a High-Risk Constituency
Chawama constitutes a historically sensitive and politically symbolic constituency for PF and ECL Legacy. The deployment of limited financial, logistical, and human resources into such terrain amounted to strategic miscalculation. You can not go to bweengwa as an opposition political party with a just a K100 and expect to win an election in a stronghold of UPND.
“You do not send a canoe to cross a river known for crocodiles.”
Political realism dictates that strongholds of former leadership require over-investment, not austerity.
Candidate Selection Misalignment
The principle of community proximity was insufficiently weighted. We need a resident of Chawama like the way Potipher Tembo was a house hold name in Kabwata . Constituencies of dense social networks, such as Chawama, respond strongly to residential familiarity and lived experience.
“The drum sounds sweetest in the village where it was carved.” You can’t import a candidate from somewhere and PF and FDD all they lied the electrolates is that don’t vote for someone from Garden Compound.
Future selection frameworks must privilege residency, local legitimacy, and organic social capital.
Inadequacy of Campaign Materials
Campaign visibility was compromised by insufficient branding, messaging collateral, and ground-level materials. Elections are fought not only in speeches, but in symbols, colours, and repetition of messages of what you want to do for the people .
“What the eye does not see, the heart does not follow.”
Demotivation of Foot Soldiers
Foot soldiers constitute the operational spine of any campaign. Inadequate logistical support, food, transport stipends, and morale-boosting incentives resulted in visible fatigue and disengagement of our people . There was no money.
“An army that marches hungry will retreat before the enemy appears.”
Absence of a Clear, Localised Campaign Narrative
Messaging failed to sufficiently crystallise around specific, lived challenges in Chawama, including: • Overcrowding and informal settlements • Housing insecurity • Youth unemployment • Survival-level economic pressures on the urban poor
“A man drowning does not need a lecture on swimming; he needs a rope.” We failed to give Chawama people a rope.
Policy achievements at national level must be translated into ward-level relevance.
Leadership Apathy and Strategic Absences
The absence of senior party figures and recognised mobilisers weakened momentum and voter confidence.
“When elders stay away from the fire, the children assume the house is cold.” Where was ba Garry Nkombo? His absence pained us.
Visible leadership presence is not ceremonial it is electoral currency.
Logistical Failures on Polling Day
Inadequate coordination of voter transportation and mobilisation on polling day materially suppressed turnout among known supporters.
“Winning the argument means nothing if your supporters never reach the ballot box.”
Underestimation of Structurally Weak Opponents
The defeat by a party with minimal organisational structures underscores a critical lesson: structure does not always defeat sentiment.
“A man without a spear can still kill if the opponent sleeps.”
FDD our opponents offered no manifesto, no development plan only a message of exclusion and emotional appeal. That message was not sufficiently countered.
Insufficient High-Level Political Reinforcement
Given the symbolic weight of the constituency, strategic deployment of top executive leadership including the President and Vice-President may have altered perceptions, turnout, and momentum.
“When the lion roars, even the forest listens.”
CONCLUDING OBSERVATION
This outcome does not reflect rejection of governance performance, but a failure of campaign translation, coordination, and emotional counter-narrative.
“Elections are not lost at the ballot box; they are lost in planning rooms.”
The lesson is clear: emotion must be met with empathy, strategy with resources, and leadership with presence.
FDD’s Bright Nundwe has been declared winner of the much anticipated Chawama Parliamentary By Election.
Nundwe polled 8,085 votes against his closest rival Morgan Muunda from the ruling UPND who got 6, 542 votes.
Muunda entered “early campaigns” in Chawama and was seen as a front runner by his supporters while Nundwe was adopted under the FDD ticket after the seat was declared vacant following the prolonged absence of Lawmaker Tasila Lungu.
Nundwe was backed by the Given Lubinda Led PF Faction and some Tonse Alliance members.
Other notable results saw the opposition Citizens First candidate Davison Mulenga getting 1,534 while an Independent Candidate George Mwenya supported by the “Ichaibaiche Movement” was fourth with 466 votes.
The New Congress Party led by Peter Chanda despite campaigning vigorously including using the portrait of Former Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu on campaign materials saw their candidate Mutete Mohammed settle for sixth Position with only 319 votes.
Nundwe B. Bright of the FDD has won the Chawama parliamentary by-election.
With results from 98 of the 111 polling stations announced, FDD’s Nundwe is leading with 7,150votes, while UPND’s Morgan Muunda has 5,556 votes.
BREAKING: CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FROM 30 POLLING STATIONS
Preliminary results from 30 polling stations in the Chawama by-election show a tight contest, with the FDD taking an early lead. Results so far: FDD – 1,942 UPND – 1,507 CF – 364 Independent (George) – 133 Independent (Elijah Siatwambo) – 93 EPPP – 91 NCP – 75 LM – 21 NDC – 17 Rejected ballots – 75 Total votes cast: 4,318 The outcome remains subject to change as more polling stations submit their returns.
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: ZNS 1
POLLING STATION: TWATASHA PRIMARY SCHOOL 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 14 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 2 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 58 Mwenya George -IND : 6 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 48 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 135
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: LITUNGA 1
POLLING STATION: CHIMWEMWE PRIMARY SCHOOL 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 17 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 6 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 52 Mwenya George -IND : 2 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 3 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 80 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 166
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: EYE CLINIC 1
POLLING STATION: AFRICAN METHODIST 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 10 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -1 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 4 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 87 Mwenya George -IND : 8 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 74 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 193
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: EYE CLINIC 1
POLLING STATION: AFRICAN METHODIST 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 10 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -1 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 4 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 87 Mwenya George -IND : 8 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 74 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 193
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MWAZIONA 1
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 11 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -1 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 3 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 53 Mwenya George -IND : 2 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 7 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 31 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 8
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 118
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHAWALILA 8
POLLING STATION:CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 8
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 10 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 2 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 52 Mwenya George -IND : 3 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 69 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 2
REJECTED: 9 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 148
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHITIMBA 2
POLLING STATION: DILI SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 09 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 0 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 57 Mwenya George -IND : 7 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 13 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 49 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 2
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 139
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: NDIZKO NI ANTHU 1
POLLING STATION: UCZ 01
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 11 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -03 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 0 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 61 Mwenya George -IND : 0 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 54 PHIRI James -NDC: 2 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 136
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHIMACHE A3
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 03
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 08 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -02 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 3 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 47 Mwenya George -IND : 1 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 4 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 38 PHIRI James -NDC: 2 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 111
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: EYE CLINIC 3
POLLING STATION: AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH 03
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 06 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 8 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 88 Mwenya George -IND : 8 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 91 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 211
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHIMACHE B1
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 20 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 3 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 73 Mwenya George -IND : 3 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 8 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 47 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 7
REJECTED: 3 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 165
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
: CHAWALILA 2
POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 12 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 42 Mwenya George -IND : 4 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 74 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 139
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHAWALILA 7
POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 7
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 17 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 0 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 33 Mwenya George -IND : 6 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 87 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 148
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
: CHAWALILA 2
POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 12 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 42 Mwenya George -IND : 4 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 74 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 139
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MWAZIONA 5
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 01
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 9 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 36 Mwenya George -IND : 1 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 24 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 81
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MOTOMOTO A2
POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 14 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 6 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 54 Mwenya George -IND : 1 Ndiweni Alfred M-EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 56 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 1
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 135
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MWAZIONA 5
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 01
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 9 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 36 Mwenya George -IND : 1 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 24 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 4 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 81
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MWAZIONA 5
POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 05
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 16 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 2 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 40 Mwenya George -IND : 2 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 58 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 7
REJECTED: 5 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 132
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MOTOMOTO A1 POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 9 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 32 Mwenya George -IND : 3 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 81 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 139
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHAWALILA 5 POLLING STATION: CHAWAMA PRIMARY SCHOOL 5
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 15 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -2 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 34 Mwenya George -IND : 7 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 76 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 1
REJECTED: 2 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 138
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: BASOPO POLLING STATION: TWATASHA PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 11 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 45 Mwenya George -IND : 5 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 0 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 80 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 4
REJECTED: 1 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 147
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: MAZUNZO B2 POLLING STATION: TWATASHA PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 14 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -1 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 1 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 46 Mwenya George -IND : 5 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 33 PHIRI James -NDC: 1 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 3
REJECTED: 5 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 110
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: LUBWA 1 POLLING STATION: CHIMWEMWE PRIMARY SCHOOL 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 11 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -0 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 5 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 42 Mwenya George -IND : 4 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 81 PHIRI James -NDC: 2 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 5
REJECTED: 3 TOTAL VOTES CAST : 154
CHAWAMA CONSTITUENCY BY ELECTION RESULTS
POLLING DISTRICT: CHIMACHE A1 POLLING STATION: WORLD WIDE CHURCH 1
Mulenga Davison K CF-: 08 Musukuma Ntazana M LM -01 Mutete Muhammad -NCP : 02 Muunda Morgan – UPND : 49 Mwenya George -IND : 2 Ndiweni Alfred -EPPP : 1 Nundwe Bright B -FDD : 40 PHIRI James -NDC: 0 Siatwambo Elijah-IND : 8
Voting has closed peacefully in the Chawama parliamentary by-election, capping a day marked by order, heavy security presence, and competing narratives over credibility and turnout.
All 111 polling stations opened around 06:00 hours and closed on schedule, with early morning queues giving way to slower mid-day traffic before activity picked up again in the afternoon. Election officials and observers reported no incidents of violence, disruption, or intimidation across the constituency.
Electoral Commission of Zambia chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, who toured several polling stations, described the process as “free, peaceful and orderly,” praising both voter conduct and the work of polling staff. By mid-day, ECZ said more than 150 voters on average had cast ballots across polling centers, a figure the Commission said reflected steady participation rather than apathy.
The ballot featured a crowded field, including Morgan Muunda of the United Party for National Development, Bright Nundwe of the Forum for Democracy and Development, Davison Mulenga of Citizens First, Musukuma Ntazana of the Leadership Movement, Mohammad Mutete of the New Congress Party, James Phiri of the National Democratic Congress, alongside three independents.
While the field has been broad, the contest is widely viewed on the ground as a tight race shaped more by local sentiment and political symbolism than ideology.
As voting progressed, the ECZ moved to counter online claims of “midnight voting” and pre-poll manipulation. Zaloumis warned against election misinformation, urging the media and political actors to report responsibly.
An observer from the Exodus Party for Peace and Prosperity confirmed that voting began at 06:00 hours, dismissing social media speculation that ballots had been cast overnight.
Some residents raised concerns about eligibility, particularly among voters who recently transferred polling stations. The ECZ clarified that the by-election is being conducted using the 2021 voters’ register, meaning newly registered voters will only participate in the 2026 general elections.
Despite the calm on the ground, the political temperature has remained high online. PF figures including Miles Sampa, Ichabaiche Movement leader Binwell Mpundu, and sections of opposition-aligned media have continued to push rigging allegations through the day, claims the ECZ firmly rejects
With ballot boxes sealed and counting underway, attention now shifts to the tally centers.
Results are expected by midnight or in the early hours of Friday, setting the stage for what could be a decisive moment in Chawama’s post-Lungu political chapter and an early test of trust ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
From ZERO to HERO and Back to ZERO: The Case of President Hakainde Hichilema and the faked Kwacha/$ Rate.
By Kasonde Mwenda, C-EFF President 15 January 2026
“You cannot rig an economy.” This long-standing economic maxim has survived every attempt at manipulation, spin, and propaganda — and Zambia’s recent currency episode once again proves its enduring truth.
In early January, the Zambian kwacha briefly became the subject of international attention after recording its strongest level in over 18 months. Sections of the United Party for National Development (UPND) quickly converted this temporary movement into a political victory parade. Headlines and party rhetoric portrayed President Hakainde Hichilema as a global economic champion who had “resurrected” a dying currency and engineered one of the world’s best-performing exchange rates.
But economic reality is far less theatrical.
The Illusion of Recovery
On 8 January, Reuters quoted Access Bank in an article titled “Most currencies under pressure from dollar demand.” The report provided the real explanation:
“Zambia’s kwacha is likely to see volatility next week due to an anticipated rise in demand for hard currency and dwindling supply… The kwacha made strong gains this week as corporates offloaded dollars after the central bank’s late-December directive curbing foreign currency use in domestic transactions.”
In simple terms, the appreciation had little to do with improved productivity, export expansion, foreign investment inflows, or structural reform. It was driven by a temporary regulatory shock that forced corporates to release dollars into the market — creating an artificial shortage of kwacha and a momentary excess of foreign currency.
This is not economic recovery. It is a liquidity distortion.
No Fundamentals, No Foundation
A genuine currency turnaround is anchored in economic fundamentals:
rising domestic production,
export diversification,
increased foreign exchange earnings,
improved fiscal balance,
and sustainable debt management.
None of these have meaningfully improved.
Zambia remains heavily constrained by an IMF program whose austerity measures continue to compress domestic demand and weaken local industry. At the same time, the government has granted expansive tax holidays to multinational corporations — costing the country billions of dollars in foregone revenue while enabling aggressive profit externalisation.
This policy mix does not strengthen a currency. It hollows it out.
The Collapse of the Narrative
As the saying goes, you cannot rig an economy.
Within two weeks, the kwacha had surrendered nearly all of its artificial gains, plunging sharply in just three days. The same political machine that had crowned itself a global economic miracle fell silent.
The “hero” moment dissolved as quickly as it had been manufactured.
What remained was the structural truth: a fragile currency, a weakened fiscal base, rising debt obligations, shrinking public confidence, and an economy still searching for real productive transformation.
Conclusion
The episode stands as a textbook case of political theatre colliding with economic law.
President Hichilema’s government mistook a regulatory-induced fluctuation for structural success. The market, as it always does, delivered its verdict.
From Zero, to Hero, and back to Zero — not by political judgment, but by the unforgiving mathematics of economics.
Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.
Written and Issued by: Kasonde Mwenda C, President, Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF.
BRIAN Mundubile has challenged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to clearly state and disclose which constituencies across the 10 provinces have been delimitated amid growing fears that it has conducted the process in a secretive manner.
Mr. Mundubile, the Patriotic Front presidential candidate says the delimitation of constituencies, was nearing its finalisation as was announced by the ECZ yet stakeholders had not been informed of which constituencies were affected.
“Do you know any of the constituencies that are being delimited now? Have you seen the delimitation report? There is no delimitation report that anyone knows about,” he said.
In an interview yesterday, Mr. Mundubile, the PF Mporokoso Member of Parliament recalled that recommendations arising from the 2019 process proposed an equitable distribution of constituencies across provinces.
“Our minimum expectation is that Government will follow the recommendation from the select committee, which was that there should be a minimum of seven constituencies per province,” Mr Mundubile said.
“That is why the number was upgraded to 70, so that every province could get seven.”
He stressed that the exercise should be uniform and fair and that the ECZ should endeavour to inform Zambians which of the 150 constituencies had been delimitated.
“We don’t expect some constituencies to receive 10 while others receive three,” he said. “There is supposed to be a uniform and equitable distribution of these constituencies.”
Mr. Mundubile expressed concern that the ECZ appeared to be concluding the delimitation exercise without engaging stakeholders.
“So far, it looks like the ECZ is finalising the delimitation exercise without stakeholders knowing which constituencies are being delimited. There is no stakeholder engagement whatsoever. They are relying on their limited wisdom and knowledge to do everything to the end,” Mr Mundubile said.
He described the secretive delimitation process as alarming, noting that constituency delimitation was a sensitive national issue that needed broader stakeholder consultations.
“It’s very disturbing indeed. You can’t do a delimitation exercise in that fashion,” Mr Mundubile said. “This is a highly contentious matter that must be discussed with stakeholders at local level. But in this particular case, it’s just being done. The delimitation is being done from State House.”
And Mr Mundubile has accused the ECZ of turning a blind eye to what he described as blatant electoral malpractices, including the buying of voters’ cards in highly populated areas by the UPND in the Kasama Mayoral by-election.
“They are turning a blind eye to these clear electoral malpractices. That is the only issue we have,” he said. “We want the ECZ to move in and do the right thing. We can’t be in a country that is full of lawlessness.”
PRESIDENTIAL WORDS CAN DIVIDE A NATION, WARNS Dr MUSUMALI.
Socialist Party and People’s Pact General Secretary Dr Cosmas Musumali has warned that careless or divisive presidential rhetoric poses a serious threat to Zambia’s long-standing tradition of national unity, following controversial remarks attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema during a recent visit to Choma..
In a strongly worded analysis circulating in the public domain, Dr Musumali argues that words spoken by a sitting president carry constitutional and moral weight far beyond ordinary political speech, especially in a multi-ethnic country like Zambia.
“The president does not speak as a private citizen or as a party leader. He speaks as the embodiment of the nation,” Dr Musumali said. “When presidential words are perceived as tribal or exclusionary, they do not merely offend they legitimize division and weaken the foundations of our democracy.”
Dr Musumali cautioned that Zambia’s reputation as one of Africa’s most peaceful and cohesive nations should not be taken for granted. He noted that history across the continent shows how quickly ethnic rhetoric, once normalized by leaders, can escalate into instability and violence.
“African history is replete with painful lessons,” he said. “From Rwanda to Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, we have seen how political leaders who mobilize along ethnic lines open doors that cannot easily be closed. Words spoken at the top can, and often do, translate into real suffering on the ground.”
He stressed that Zambia’s post-independence unity anchored in the founding principle of One Zambia, One Nation was the result of deliberate leadership choices, not coincidence.
“Our unity has survived because past leaders understood that national cohesion must be protected every day,” Dr Musumali said. “Once a president departs from that ethic, the entire national project is put at risk.”
On accountability, the Socialist Party and People’s Pact General Secretary said the issue goes beyond partisan politics and speaks directly to constitutional responsibility..
“The constitution demands that the president represents all Zambians equally, regardless of tribe or region,” he said. “If presidential conduct undermines that principle, then Parliament has a duty not a favour to interrogate it seriously.”
Dr Musumali also called on President Hichilema to issue a clear and unambiguous apology, warning that vague expressions of regret would not be sufficient.
“A genuine apology must acknowledge what was wrong, why it was wrong, and recommit the presidency to inclusive and unifying leadership,” he said. “That is the minimum required to begin repairing the damage.”
He further questioned whether leaders who engage in divisive rhetoric retain the moral authority required to seek national office again.
“Leadership is about uniting people, not energising divisions,” Dr Musumali said. “A leader who exploits tribal sentiment, even once, must seriously reflect on whether they are fit to preside over a diverse nation.”
Dr Musumali urged civil society, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens to reject tribal politics in all its forms, warning that silence or justification today could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
“This is a defining moment,” he said. “If Zambia excuses this kind of rhetoric, it will invite more of it. But if Zambians stand firm across party and ethnic lines, they will reaffirm that unity is non-negotiable.”
As debate over the Choma remarks continues, Dr Musumali’s message is clear: in Zambia’s fragile but proud democracy, presidential words matter and the nation’s future depends on how they are used.
CHIENGE MP QUESTIONS STATES DECISION TO APPEAL HER ACQUITTAL
Chienge Member of Parliament Given Katuta has questioned the State’s decision to appeal her acquittal in a matter in which she was accused of threatening violence against Times of Zambia photojournalist Henry Chunza.
Ms Katuta, who was accused of threatening violence and spitting on the Lusaka photojournalist was acquitted by the Lusaka Magistrate Court on 22nd December, 2025.
Speaking in an interview with KBN TV news, she says the appeal against her acquittal does not make sense and that she will wait to see the grounds on which it has been lodged.
Ms Katuta has also alleged that her announcement to stand as a presidential candidate for the 2026 August Elections has unsettled the ruling UPND.
Ms Katuta claims that the UPND party knows that if a woman enters the race with force, it will not stand a chance in election.
SINKAMBA DEFENDS ARCHBISHOP BANDA OVER VEHICLE DONATION
People’s Pact Vice President-Strategy and Green Party President Peter Sinkamba has come to the defence of Archbishop of Lusaka Dr. Alick Banda, stating that the Catholic cleric should not be harassed for receiving a donated motor vehicle, as clergy have historically received gifts from individuals and institutions.
Mr. Sinkamba said Archbishop Banda is not the first church leader to benefit from donations, noting that such gestures are common and have been publicly acknowledged in the past.
“Archbishop Banda is not the first clergyman in this country to receive a gift from people. Churches and priests have, over the years, benefited from donations by well-meaning citizens, including politicians, without any controversy,” Mr. Sinkamba said.
He cited former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Kwacha Member of Parliament, Mr. Joseph Malanji, who openly donated several vehicles to Churches, Cooperatives and Police Stations in Kitwe.
According to records, Mr. Malanji donated 30-seater Rosa buses to Kitwe’s United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Kwacha East Congregation and St. Peter’s Ipusukilo Parish.
Additionally, Our Lady of Africa Parish Priest, Fr. Benedict Ng’andwe, received and blessed another 30-seater Rosa bus donated by Mr. Malanji.
Mr. Malanji further donated a Mercedes-Benz S350 saloon Car to Fr. Ng’andwe, with the vehicles officially handed over after church services at the respective congregations.
Mr. Sinkamba said the precedent shows that donations to churches are not unusual and should not be politicised.
“To single out Archbishop Banda for receiving a Toyota Hilux is unfair and misleading. If we did not question such donations in the past, there is no justification to harass him now,” he said.
He urged the public to respect the autonomy of the Church and refrain from dragging religious leaders into unnecessary controversy, adding that receiving a donation does not compromise a clergyman’s moral or spiritual authority.
🌍🔥 EUROPE DEPLOYS TROOPS AGAINST AMERICA: FRANCE & GERMANY RUSH SOLDIERS TO GREENLAND AS TRUMP THREATENS TAKEOVER—IF THIS CAN HAPPEN TO THE WEST, WHAT ABOUT AFRICA?🇫🇷🇩🇪🇬🇱
Let that sink in: European NATO allies are deploying troops to DEFEND against the United States.
France sent 15 soldiers. Germany sent 13. Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands followed. Not to fight terrorists. Not to fight Russia. To send a MESSAGE to President Donald Trump: Greenland is NOT for sale.
Trump said he wants Greenland “one way or the other” after his military intervention in Venezuela. Denmark warned that any U.S. attack on Greenland would END NATO. So Europe showed up with boots on the ground.
If America can threaten to TAKE a European territory in 2026, what makes Africa think we’re safe? If wealthy, white, NATO-allied Denmark needs troops to protect its land from Washington, what chance does Africa have without UNITY and STRENGTH?
This is the world we live in: empires don’t retire they just find new targets. Yesterday it was Africa’s resources. Today it’s Greenland’s minerals and strategic position. Tomorrow? It’s us again.
Wake up, Africa. Sovereignty isn’t given. It’s DEFENDED.
U.S. STRIKE ON IRAN REPORTEDLY CALLED OFF AT LAST MINUTE
Trump apparently almost green-lit a strike on Iran late last night, then pulled the plug minutes before execution.
Iranian airspace has reopened and forces scrambled from Al-Udeid were told to stand down.
Sources say Trump halted it because advisers couldn’t promise a decisive regime-toppling blow and warned Iran could hit back hard, and the U.S. might not have enough regional assets ready to cope.
Right now, tensions are still high, but war didn’t start tonight.
France Sends Troops to Greenland as Denmark Strengthens Security Amid Growing U.S. Interest and Regional Concerns 🌍 Global Tensions in the Arctic
Why this is happening: In an unexpected move, French troops are now deploying to Greenland at the request of Denmark as part of a joint military exercise dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance. This comes amid growing international attention on the Arctic region, which is becoming increasingly strategic due to natural resources, shipping routes, and military significance. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland’s defense, has asked NATO allies to participate in exercises to ensure the island’s security and sovereignty.
Who is involved and who is to blame:
Denmark: Leading the exercise and coordinating allied support to protect Greenland.
France: Sending soldiers, including specialized mountain and cold-weather troops, to support Denmark.
Other NATO allies: Participating in Arctic readiness exercises to signal that Greenland’s security is a shared responsibility.
U.S.: Former President Trump’s repeated interest in Greenland, including controversial suggestions about purchasing the territory, has intensified regional concern. While the United States remains a NATO partner, its proposals have alarmed Denmark and prompted European allies to demonstrate their commitment to Greenland’s sovereignty.
What this means: The presence of international troops is not an invasion, but a clear demonstration that Greenland is not for sale, not for grabs, and will remain under Danish sovereignty. Operation Arctic Endurance is focused on military readiness, cold-weather training, and strategic coordination among allied forces. Experts warn that the Arctic is rapidly becoming a zone of geopolitical tension, with competition over resources, influence, and military presence increasing.
The bigger picture: This development shows how global politics and past U.S. ambitions are directly influencing local territories. Ordinary Greenlandic residents, Danish authorities, and European allies are now working together to ensure that their island remains safe, secure, and fully under the control of its legitimate government. The deployment of French troops is a symbolic and practical response to growing threats and uncertainties in the Arctic region.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Mundubile Claims Plot to Arrest Him on Return to Lusaka
Brian Mundubile has issued a public statement alleging that state agents, working with unnamed individuals, are planning to have him arrested upon his return to Lusaka on Friday, January 16.
In a statement released from Kasama on January 15, Mundubile said his team had intercepted what he described as “credible information” pointing to a plan to lodge a complaint against him at Woodlands Police Station. The alleged complaint, he said, would accuse him of involvement in a land matter in which the Patriotic Front was previously an interested party.
“These known individuals have been paid and instructed to file a complaint against me… as part of a grand scheme to derail the momentum that our Movement is enjoying across the nation,” Mundubile said.
He dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, arguing that the move was intended to disrupt the growing profile of the BM8 Movement. At the same time, he appealed to his supporters to remain calm should any action be taken against him.
“As much as these allegations are baseless, I consider it my duty to alert supporters of our movement and appeal for calm in an event that this evil plan is executed,” he said.
Mundubile stated that he would cooperate with law enforcement if summoned, but stressed that he would insist on due process and the protection of his constitutional rights.
“I am a law-abiding citizen with an impeccable record in public service,” he added, saying he would not be distracted by what he termed mudslinging.
He said his team would continue to update the public as the situation develops.
PUBLIC STATEMENT ISSUED BY HON. BRIAN MUNDUBILE, MP
Kasama/January 15th 2026-I wish to inform supporters of the BM8 Movement and the rest of the nation that our team has intercepted credible information of a plan hatched by State agents in collusion with some known elements to have me arrested tomorrow, Friday, January 16th 2026 upon my return to Lusaka.
These known individuals have been paid and instructed to file a Complaint against me at Woodlands Police Station on allegations that I played a role in a land matter in which the Patriotic Front was an interested party. I am aware that this is part of a grand scheme to derail the momentum that our Movement is enjoying across the nation as we move to restore Zambia to normalcy.
As much as these allegations are baseless, I consider it my duty to alert supporters of our movement and appeal for calm in an event that this evil plan is executed. I plan to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if called upon but will also insist that my fundamentals rights and freedoms are protected and the due process followed.
I am a law abiding citizen with an impeccable record in public service and no amount of mudslinging will push my eyes off the ball.
My team will keep updating the nation on any new developments.
PATRIOTIC Front faction leader Robert Chabinga has joined the United Party for National Development (UPND) alliance and has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the August 13 General Elections.
Mr Chabinga said the ruling UPND was the only credible party capable of meeting the developmental needs of Zambians.
Speaking in a walk-in interview, Mr Chabinga stressed that he has decided to endorse President Hichilema because of the good leadership the Head of State has exhibited since assuming office in 2021.
The PF faction leader said the deeply-rooted wrangles in the former ruling party have prompted him to join the UPND alliance.
He said the wrangles that have rocked the PF have made the former ruling party uninspiring.
He noted that President Hichilema meant well for the country and deserved to be given another five-year mandate to continue presiding over national affairs.
Mr Chabinga said he was a man who believed in continuity and urged other opposition leaders to rally behind President Hichilema as the country heads towards this year’s elections.
CF, SP AND PF DISCUSSED FIELDING ONE CANDIDATE IN CHAWAMA BUT TALKS BROKE DOWN – KALABA
CITIZENS First President Harry Kalaba says he met with PF’s Given Lubinda and SP’s Dr Fred M’membe to unite and field one candidate for the Chawama by-elections but talks had broken down.
And Kalaba says he believes that opposition not working together does not give advantage to the UPND.
Meanwhile, Kalaba has advised Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa to consider applying to be adopted under Citizens First for the Choma Central seat in the August polls as he will not be adopted in the UPND.
Speaking when appeared on Diamond TV, Tuesday, Kalaba said his party believed in unity.
“The Citizens First has always believed in unity, because we believe that there is strength in unity. The English adage goes ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ and we in the Citizens First have always believed that unity is strength that is the reason why the Citizens First sought to be part of UKA, you remember?
We were in UKA for one year three months all because we were seeking unity of purpose. Before the Chawama by-elections filing in took place, I personally went to the home of the PF President Honourable Lubinda and I sat with him and I said ‘look we would want to see how we can collaborate and work together’. And in that meeting was my brother Fred M’membe as well, we said we work together, things never worked out,” he said.
Asked why it couldn’t work, Kalaba pointed out that the timeliness set for the selection of the candidate couldn’t be met.
“That is the time that we had Bill No. 7 coming out on the floor of the house. The timelines we had given each other I think could not be adhered to strictly. Central committee members of individual political parties were meeting and they had to make decisions because the filing in of nominations was happening on a Tuesday.
So, think time was not an ally of that endeavour, we wanted to pursue but I think also there was an issue of agreeing on a candidate. What is important is that an attempt by the CF was made and I believe this attempt didn’t end just at the by-elections, comrade Lubinda and I still talk and I’m confident that even as we go in the future, the people will tell us that you people this is what you put to do,” Kalaba responded.
“The CF will always reach out but when things don’t work out don’t you come to CF and tell them CF you didn’t want unity. We in the Citizens First have always been the ones reaching out and we will continue reaching out to people. But when we see it’s not working, the CF is not going to remain dormant, we have a manifesto, we have an agenda for this country, that agenda has to be fulfilled. And this myth of saying ‘no you are giving advantage to the UPND’, let’s wait and see. We are not giving advantage to the UPND, I don’t think we are giving any advantage to the UPND because in 2021 we stood as how many candidates? 16 candidates. The incumbent the late Edgar Lungu tumbled to an opposition leader despite being 16 because the people had zeroed in on one candidate”.
Kalaba said he understood the challenges of the people.
“The people will choose, the Zambian people know Harry Kalaba is there. We have traversed this country selling our message of unity, selling our message of working together, selling the message of coercion. So the people have come to know us, we have come to know them, we understand the challenges across the country and we are extremely confident that if it comes to that the people will make the right call,” Kalaba said.
Meanwhile, when asked on why he and Mweetwa seem to always be exchanging words, Kalaba advised Mweetwa to send his CV to the CF Secretary General for possible consideration under the party.
“Cornelius Mweetwa is not a serious person and it’s you people who are taking him seriously. Mr Mweetwa is Chief Government Spokesperson but he has been overtaken by those young guys who are calling themselves media directors right, left and centre. He should have sat down to see ‘why are all these people excited and hungry for my job?’ And as I advised him last time, Mr Mweetwa if you are listening to me, please there is a young man there, I heard that there is a young guy called Trevor Mwiinde. This Trevor Mwiinde guy, a deputy youth chairman of UPND. He’s now the one Mr Hakainde is supporting, he’s giving him money giving him materials to go and remove Mr Mweetwa [from his parliamentary seat]. But Mweetwa is busy talking about Harry Kalaba and yet his boss is busy talking to that kama deputy youth chairman,” said Mweetwa.
“And people love that boy in Choma, Mweetwa stands no chance. This is his last term, the last three in that office. So you should understand him, he’s got that issue of saying ‘I’m going, I don’t know where I’m standing’. We wish him well, for us in the CF, if Mr Mweetwa is not adopted in the UPND in Choma, the CF might consider looking at his CV. He better see Mr [Vincent] Chintu, the SG. The earlier he does that, the better”.
CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION SEEN AS TEST OF POLITICAL MATURITY, AS JERE HAILS PRESIDENTIAL RESTRAINT
Political analyst and lawyer Dickson Jere has described the Chawama parliamentary by-election taking place today as a positive indicator for Zambia’s democratic growth ahead of the August General Election, saying the process has reflected notable progress in political conduct.
Mr. Jere said the by-election outcome, regardless of who emerges victorious, would not undermine the gains made in the country’s political environment, noting that the campaigns had been conducted in a peaceful manner.
He observed that, unlike the 2001 Chawama by-election which was marred by violence, the 2026 contest had stood out as “one of the most peaceful in recent history.”
He noted that political parties freely conducted roadshows and interacted without incidents, stating that there were no reports of vehicles being damaged by rival groups.
Mr. Jere said the conduct of parties, particularly the ruling UPND, deserved praise, adding that such an environment would encourage more women and credible candidates to participate in future elections.
“This is the kind of politics Zambians have always wanted,” he said, commending the electorate of Chawama for upholding peace.
Mr. Jere further praised the Zambia Police for professional conduct during the campaign period.
He said police officers provided security to all parties and did not cancel opposition meetings under the guise of protection.
According to Mr. Jere, the police had demonstrated similar professionalism recently during the appearance of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda at the Drug Enforcement Commission.
“The police did a professional job and deserve commendation,” he said.
Commenting on President Hakainde Hichilema’s approach to parliamentary by-elections, Mr. Jere said the Head of State had taken a commendable step by staying away from most by-elections and allowing party functionaries to campaign.
“He has recently stayed away from parliamentary by-elections after he campaigned in Kabwata, Kabushi and Kwacha. The rest of the by-elections (Kawambwa, Pambashe, Lumezi, Petauke, Mfuwe, Chawama), he has allowed his party functionaries to do the work. This is commendable. He is probably one of the first Presidents to stay away from parliamentary by elections. This allows fair play.”
He noted that this had helped to create a fair playing field, as presidential visits often lead to heightened security that can restrict opposition activities.
“The President is for all the people, including the MP elected regardless of party,” Mr. Jere said, adding that the approach differed appropriately from general elections where the President would be a candidate.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jere wished the people of Chawama peaceful voting and called for the best candidate to win.
However, he questioned why by-elections in rural areas often experience violence, wondering whether such disturbances were caused by cadres imported from urban centres.
“Rural people are generally peaceful, yet by-elections there are frequently marked by skirmishes,” he observed, calling for reflection on the issue as the country moves toward the general elections.
A Cry for Unity in the Patriotic Front: Time to Rise Above Division
_By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist_
This is not an article written in anger, but one written with a heavy heart and a deep love for the Patriotic Front. It is a cry meant to touch the conscience of our leaders, to awaken their sense of responsibility, and to remind them why the PF was formed in the first place: to serve the people of Zambia as one united national movement.
Today, the PF stands at a painful crossroads. What is dividing them is not ideology, not vision, and not leadership capacity. What is dividing them is ego, hidden agendas, and the dangerous poison of tribalism. Some among them have chosen to loudly use the name of late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL), yet their actions are the complete opposite of what he stood for. ECL preached unity, reconciliation, and collective strength. What we are witnessing today is distraction, fragmentation, and self-interest.
Let us speak honestly. Unity cannot be achieved through isolation. Any leader who believes they can work alone, build parallel structures, or create movements within the party while claiming loyalty to PF is slowly eroding their own national character. Leadership is not about personal survival or positioning; it is about sacrifice, humility, and the ability to bring people together, even those you disagree with.
If unity is to truly progress in the PF, they must courageously remove the toxic tag of tribalism. This is the silent enemy tearing the party apart. It is dishonest to accuse one individual of dividing the party while, in reality, regional groupings are forming behind the scenes. Northerners aligning with Northerners, Easterners aligning with Easterners, and even those from Southern Province being casually lumped together with Western Province as if they are the same, all with the sole intention of blocking fellow Zambians from leadership. This mindset is dangerous and unpatriotic. This is not leadership; this is betrayal of the PF’s founding values and the spirit of One Zambia, One Nation.
There is no genuine leadership crisis in the PF. Zambia itself was created by God as a peaceful nation, often described as the Israel of Africa, not because of conflict, but because of its calling to be a light of peace and unity on the continent. Our country is globally known as a land of peacemakers. Yet today, our leaders are failing to dialogue, failing to listen, and failing to reconcile. What exists is a crisis of acceptance and humility. Some leaders, especially those with long-standing influence, must accept that unity cannot be built on exclusion. President Given Lubinda has consistently demonstrated efforts to bring the party together, yet others choose to manufacture confusion and distractions instead of strengthening the common front.
The story from the Bible of Prophet Samuel in the house of Jesse speaks directly to PFs situation today. Jesse presented seven strong sons, men of stature, experience, and visibility. Samuel, like many of us today, assumed leadership must surely come from among them. But God reminded Samuel that He does not look at appearance or status; He looks at the heart. David, the youngest, tending animals in the field, was the chosen one.
PF leaders have failed to agree on who should be our David, not because David does not exist, but because everyone wants to be David. That is their tragedy. In the PF today, we have many who desire the crown but few who are willing to stand together, support one another, and fight the real battle for the people of Zambia.
King Saul feared David and tried in every way to block his rise. In the same way, it is clear that the current political environment is hostile to the PF’s return to the ballot. Yet the ground is fertile. Zambians are tired. They are watching. They are waiting. They know what must be removed, and they still believe that the PF can rise again if only its leaders can conclude, agree, and unite.
What is required now is one final, honest meeting. A meeting not driven by ambition, but by conscience. If disagreement remains, then allow the people to choose who to follow. Let clarity replace confusion. Let truth replace manipulation.
It is painful to see all PF presidential hopefuls and opposition leaders repeatedly invoking the name of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu while walking a path he would never have approved. We proudly declare Zambia a Christian nation, yet division and tribalism now sit at the top of the political agenda. Christianity without dialogue, humility, and reconciliation is empty rhetoric. His vision was to unite the opposition, not to scatter it. One cannot claim to honor ECL while nurturing division. Even in death, his legacy calls for unity, not chaos.
Our leaders must humble themselves. Zambia does not need many Davids fighting each other; it needs brothers who are willing to stand together until Goliath is defeated. Only then can leadership naturally emerge.
This is a solemn appeal: stop the tribal calculations, stop the parallel agendas, stop hiding behind ECL’s name while betraying his spirit. Unite the Patriotic Front, liberate the people of Zambia from division, and rise to the responsibility history has placed upon you.
*The people are watching. Time is running. Unity is no longer an option, it is a necessity.*
*This is the final warning.*
History will not be kind to leaders who saw the danger and chose silence, who knew the truth and chose convenience, who claimed to love the Patriotic Front and Zambia yet sponsored division behind closed doors. God will not ask how many factions you built, how many vehicles you controlled, or how cleverly you positioned yourself. He will ask whether you united His people or scattered them.
The people of Zambia are watching, and their patience is not endless. If PF leaders fail to humble themselves now, to confront tribalism openly, to dialogue honestly, and to stand together as one, then they will bear full responsibility for handing victory to those who thrive on division. This is the hour to choose legacy over ego, unity over ambition, and nation over self. Fail this moment, and history, and God, will record that you were warned.
The State has argued that after the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 was assented into law on 18th December 2025, no State organ or forum can challenge or question its validity.
This is in a matter in which lawyer Makebi Zulu has petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking a declaration that Constitutional Amendment Bill Number Seven (Bill 7) of 2025 became legally null and void and ceased to be a valid legislative instrument, following the judgment in the case of Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila vs Attorney General.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has submitted that upon assent, the Bill became law and now forms part of the Constitution of Zambia pursuant to Article 79(5)(a) of the Constitution.
Mr Kabesha is urging the Constitutional Court to dismiss the petitioner’s claim that Bill No. 7 of 2025 was declared invalid and that the Court should order the legislative process to start afresh without considering previous decisions.
He contends that the procedural concerns raised by Munir Zulu were lawfully addressed through the establishment of the technical committee and the undertaking of a consultative process.
He further argues that the present petition has been overtaken by events, as it seeks to impugn a Bill that is now law.
The Attorney General has implored the Court to dismiss the petition with costs, citing an alleged abuse of court process.
WE WON’T TAKE PART IN ANY ELECTION UNTIL MADURO IS RELEASED BY THE AMERICANS – M’MEMBE
Socialist Party owner Fred M’membe says his party is not taking part in the Chawama by-election today because of lack of funds.
And M’membe has disclosed to Koswe that until his funder and sponsor, arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is released, his party will not take part in any Zambian election.
He says from the time Maduro was arrested, the Socialist Party is struggling financially.- Koswe
WHY BILL 7 REMAINS JUSTICIABLE EVEN AFTER ASSENT CONSTITUTIONAL SUPREMACY OVERRIDES PARLIAMENTARY ACTION
The Attorney General’s argument collapses at the point of constitutional supremacy. Article 1(2) of the Constitution of Zambia unequivocally provides that the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic and that any law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.
This supremacy applies to all laws without exception, including constitutional amendments. Supremacy attaches to the Constitution itself not to Parliament, not to presidential assent, and not to political or legislative convenience. Where the process of amending the Constitution violates constitutional requirements, the product of that process cannot be salvaged or immunised by assent.
PARLIAMENT IS NOT THE FINAL GUARDIAN OF THE CONSTITUTION
The Attorney General’s position implicitly asserts parliamentary supremacy, a doctrine not recognised under Zambia’s constitutional order. Article 119(1) of the Constitution vests judicial authority in the courts and mandates that such authority be exercised in accordance with the Constitution. This provision firmly establishes the courts, not Parliament, as the final interpreters and guardians of the Constitution.
Parliament cannot validate its own unconstitutional conduct merely by completing the legislative process. To accept the Attorney General’s argument would mean that Parliament may violate constitutional procedures, rush a Bill to assent, and permanently shield it from judicial scrutiny. Such a position would strike at the heart of constitutionalism and dismantle the system of checks and balances.
CONTINUING AND ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
The assertion that the matter has been overtaken by events is legally unsustainable. Article 128(1)(a) establishes the Constitutional Court, while Article 128(3) confers upon it original and final jurisdiction in constitutional matters. Further, Article 128(2) empowers the Court to hear matters relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.
This jurisdiction does not lapse upon presidential assent to a Bill. On the contrary, where a law has already taken effect, the need for judicial scrutiny becomes more pressing in order to safeguard constitutional order and prevent ongoing illegality.
ARTICLE 79 DOES NOT IMMUNISE UNCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
The Attorney General’s reliance on Article 79(5)(a) is misplaced. While Article 79 outlines the procedure through which a Bill becomes law upon assent, it does not confer immunity on legislation that is constitutionally defective. Article 79 regulates form and procedure it does not legalise illegality.
A constitutional amendment that fails to comply with the requirements of the Constitution in substance and spirit remains constitutionally defective. Nowhere does the Constitution state that once an amendment is assented to, it becomes immune from judicial challenge. Any such assertion finds no support in the constitutional text.
THE MUNIR ZULU JUDGMENT CHALLENGED THE ORIGIN OF BILL 7
The judgment in Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila v Attorney General did not concern minor or cosmetic procedural irregularities. It fundamentally questioned whether the entire constitutional amendment process complied with constitutional requirements, including the legality of the process, public participation, and adherence to constitutional thresholds.
Where the origin of a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional, subsequent remedial steps cannot cure that illegality. The establishment of a technical committee cannot retrospectively legitimise an unconstitutional process, and presidential assent cannot sanitise a poisoned legislative foundation. In constitutional law, legality cannot be built upon illegality.
Presidential assent is a formal constitutional act it is not a mechanism for curing constitutional defects. Across constitutional democracies, courts have consistently held that executive assent does not validate unconstitutional legislation. To hold otherwise would elevate the President above the Constitution, a position expressly rejected by Article 1 of the Constitution.
The President, like Parliament, is bound by the Constitution and cannot confer validity upon a process that was unconstitutional at its inception.
THE ALLEGATION OF ABUSE OF PROCESS IS MISCONCEIVED
Seeking constitutional clarity on whether a constitutional amendment was lawfully enacted particularly after a prior judgment has cast doubt on its legality does not constitute an abuse of court process. Rather, it represents the proper invocation of constitutional accountability mechanisms. It is a legitimate defence of constitutional supremacy and a necessary inquiry into whether Zambia remains governed by the rule of law or drifts towards legislative absolutism.
CONCLUSION
Parliament is not the final guardian of the Constitution. Presidential assent is not a shield against constitutional illegality. The jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court cannot be extinguished by political timing or procedural expediency. Where the origin of a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional, the amendment itself is void assent notwithstanding.
KALABA IN FANTASY LAND: CITIZENS FIRST LEADER SPIRALS INTO POLITICAL HALLUCINATIONS
Citizens First president Harry Kalaba appears to have entered full fantasy mode again — blurting out dreams, delusions, and political hallucinations as if they were serious policy proposals.
In his latest outburst, Kalaba declared that the very first thing he would do if elected in 2026 is slash the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) back to a pathetic K1.6 million. He then had the audacity to describe the current K40 million CDF as a “flop.”
This is not policy. This is political self-sabotage.
Kalaba is now openly campaigning against development. He wants to drag communities backward, starve constituencies of resources, and return Zambia to the dark days when MPs begged ministries for boreholes and desks.
Even more ridiculous, Kalaba claims that he achieved more in Bahati with K1.6 million “ancient years ago” than what the UPND government is doing today with K40 million.
This is pure revisionist fantasy.
Under the expanded CDF, constituencies are building schools, clinics, bridges, markets, skills centers, and creating real jobs. Communities are deciding their own priorities for the first time in Zambia’s history. That is progress.
Kalaba, however, wants to reverse it.
He wants to cut development at the knees, cripple local councils, and return power to Lusaka bureaucrats.
If this is what Citizens First stands for, then Zambians can already see the future he is offering — a future of poverty, stagnation, and political daydreaming masquerading as leadership.
Kalaba is not ready for State House. He is busy fighting development itself.
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to incorporate modern technologies in the forthcoming delimitation exercise.
The organisation believes this would enhance efficiency and transparency.
Acting Executive Director Derick Chekwe welcomed the ECZ’s assurance that the process will be conducted transparently and inclusively.
“We commend the Commission’s commitment to engage all relevant stakeholders, including the Surveyor General, political parties, and civil society organisations,” he remarked.
Chekwe encouraged political actors to approach the process in a constructive manner.
“We appeal to stakeholders, particularly political parties, to participate in good faith rather than politicise or undermine the initiative.
These are the very constituencies in which they will be expected to field candidates in the August 2026 elections,” he observed.
He further emphasised the need to move beyond the polarised discourse surrounding Bill 7.
“It is imperative that we now focus on ensuring the delimitation process is conducted fairly and equitably for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he noted.
The ZCLU Acting Chief also urged the ECZ to involve independent stakeholders in the drafting of the amended Electoral Process Act and the new Electoral Systems Act, as stipulated under Article 49 of the Constitution.
Chekwe highlighted the importance of public understanding and acceptance of the electoral system.
“The framework adopted must be transparent and resonate with the expectations of citizens and all stakeholders,” he stated.
He maintained that the responsibility of reshaping Zambia’s democratic landscape should not rest solely with the ECZ and government.
“This is a transformative undertaking that will influence how our leaders are chosen. It cannot be executed in isolation,” he asserted.
Chekwe reaffirmed the organisation’s position, stressing the importance of transparency and broad-based engagement in all electoral reforms.
“The process must be inclusive, with active participation from political parties and civil society organisations to ensure legitimacy and public trust,” he emphasised.
“Ndola Set for US$1.1 Billion Crude Oil Refinery & Energy Complex – A Major Industrial Boost”
Ndola is poised for significant industrial growth, hosting the country’s largest single industrial investment, a US$1.1 billion crude oil refinery and energy complex.
This project, developed by China Zambia Petrochemical Corporation in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation, aligns with Government efforts to position Ndola as a production, logistics, and energy hub, leveraging its strategic location and infrastructure.
Supporting infrastructure investments, including the Ndola Cancer Treatment Centre and upgrades to roads, water systems, and power networks, underscore Government’s commitment to driving industrial development, fostering economic diversification, and promoting sustainable growth in the region, in line with national development aspirations.
🚨 BREAKING: As the US Approves Nvidia H200 Sales, China Moves On Without Them
China’s Zhipu AI has just trained a serious, competitive multimodal AI model entirely on a domestic Chinese stack. No Nvidia, no US chips and no TensorFlow or PyTorch.
GLM-Image was trained end-to-end on Huawei’s Ascend hardware, running on Huawei’s own MindSpore framework. Data prep, training, deployment, the lot.
That alone is HUGE. But the timing makes it even more perfect.
For years, the US strategy has been simple:
choke off advanced chips
slow China’s AI progress
force long-term dependency
Yet here we are, proving yet again that China will not be held back.
Despite relentless sanctions, export controls, blacklists and political pressure, China has just proven, publicly, that high-quality, open-source multimodal AI does not require US silicon anymore. Bye bye!
This isn’t just some toy model wither, lets take a look:
Zhipu says GLM-Image delivers industry-leading performance among open-source models for text rendering and it’s especially strong with Chinese character generation, something Western models still struggle with. That matters when you’re building AI for Chinese-language reality, not English-first benchmarks.
Yes, it still trails ByteDance’s proprietary Seedream 4.5. But that’s almost beside the point. The significance isn’t “who’s number one”; it’s who controls the stack.
On the same day this news breaks, Washington approves exports of Nvidia’s H200 to China, after months of lobbying. The message from the US is basically: “We’ll allow some access, under limits, to protect market share.”
And Beijing’s response? No thanks! Which is hilarious…
Customs have reportedly been told to block imports. Chinese firms have been told approvals will be “exceptional”. In other words: we’re done building our future around your permissions.
This isn’t China being “anti-Nvidia”, it’s China being post-Nvidia and self-sufficient.
For years, Nvidia dominated because there was no alternative and sanctions were supposed to freeze China in place. Instead, they forced a full-stack rebuild, chips, servers, frameworks, tooling, talent. That’s the China difference!
Once domestic stacks reach “good enough”, the dependency breaks permanently and once that happens, US leverage evaporates.
Ironically, approving the H200 now looks less like control and more like being late to a door that’s already closing or late to dinner, depending on how you look at it.
The real question now isn’t whether China can do advanced AI without US chips, that’s been answered. It’s how quickly the rest of the ecosystem follows.
What do you think hits first, large-scale adoption of domestic stacks, or a quiet global realisation that the chip war has already backfired?
ZAMBIA, TANZANIA ENERGY MINISTERS MEET TODAY IN DAR ES SALAAM FOR HIGH-LEVEL PETROLEUM TALKS.
THE Ministers of Energy of Zambia and Tanzania are meeting today in Dar es Salaam for a high-level bilateral engagement focused on petroleum-related matters, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to sustained cooperation in the energy sector.
The meeting brings together senior officials from both governments to deliberate on petroleum supply, infrastructure management and policy coordination aimed at strengthening regional energy security and ensuring a stable and reliable fuel supply.
The Zambian delegation is led by the Minister of Energy and includes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Oliver Kalabo, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary–Energy Professor Ephraim Munshifwa, representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, and Energy Regulation Board (ERB) Board Chairperson.
The composition of the delegation underscores the strategic importance Zambia attaches to the discussions, particularly the coordinated management of shared petroleum infrastructure.
A key focus of the engagement is the TAZAMA Pipeline, jointly owned by Zambia and Tanzania and regarded as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation in the petroleum sector. Constructed in the late 1960s to secure Zambia’s fuel supply, the pipeline stretches approximately 1,710 kilometres from Dar es Salaam to Ndola.
The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to safeguarding and modernising the pipeline to support reliable petroleum supply, promote economic development and further deepen the long-standing bilateral ties between Zambia and Tanzania.
ZAM SAYS COMMODITY PRICES TO DROP IN 2 WEEKS AS KWACHA STRENGTHENS
THE Zambia Association of Manufacturers says commodity prices are expected to start reducing within the next two weeks following the sustained appreciation of the Kwacha.
ZAM President Mohamed Umar explains that with most company executives resuming work this week, consultations and negotiations are expected to begin which should lead to a gradual reduction in commodity prices.
Mr. Umar has further disclosed that the association will soon circulate a survey among its members to establish which companies are reducing prices and which ones are not, as well as reasons behind the decisions taken for those not reducing the prices.
He spoke to Phoenix News in an interview following Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga’s call on retailers and importers to pass on the benefits of the Kwacha’s continued appreciation to consumers.
The people of Chawama Constituency will decide their new Member of Parliament (MP) in the by-election taking place today. For me, this election presents a lot of many positives ahead of the August General Election. Regardless of the winner, the outcome will not take away the progress made in the political sphere in recent time. I have observed these key points;
1. Peaceful Campaigns – unlike the 2001 parliamentary by election of Chawama that was marred with violence, the 2026 has been one of the most peaceful in recent history. The parties conducted their campaigns freely and even interacted without violence. The roadshows crisscrossed without any incident of smashing vehicles by opposing parties. Kudos to all the participating parties and especially the ruling UPND for good conduct. This is what we always wanted for Zambia. With such politics, more women and credible candidates will emerge ahead of the 2026 elections. Well done Chawama!
2. Police Conduct – the police manned the campaign period in a very professional manner. They accorded protection to all parties and did not unilaterally cancel any opposition party rallies or meetings on the pretext of protecting them from being harmed. This is second incident of the police good behavior in recent days. The police did a professional job at DEC when people turned up to escort Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda. Well done Zambia Police! You can be nice chaps sometimes
3. Hakainde Hichilema – he has recently stayed away from parliamentary by-elections after he campaigned in Kabwata, Kabushi and Kwacha. The rest of the by-elections (Kawambwa, Mbambashi, Lumezi, Petauke, Mfuwe, Chawama), he has allowed his party functionaries to do the work. This is commendable. He is probably one of the first Presidents to stay away from parliamentary by elections. This allows fair play. When the President is in an area, security restricts movements including of those in opposition. Rallies are even canceled until the President leaves. But also, the President, is for all the people including the MP elected regardless of his party. So President Hakainde Hichilema has done well on this score and must be commended. It is different in the general elections where he will also be seeking reelection. Well done Presido!
Finally, I wish the people of Chawama a peaceful voting and let the best candidate win. But I have been thinking. Why is it that by-elections held in rural areas always have skirmishes? Rural dwellers are the most peaceful people but when there is a by-election, there is a fight. Is it the imported Lusaka cadres who fight there and yet in Lusaka they behave?
A Kano-based man, Abubakar Muhammad, has accused the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre of negligence that allegedly led to the d3ath of his wife, Aishatu Umar.
Muhammad said his wife d!ed from complications linked to a surgical procedure carried out at the state-owned health facility located in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Muhammad said the mother of five passed away in the early hours of Monday, about four months after doctors allegedly forgot a pair of scissors in her stomach during surgery
He explained that his wife had fallen ill several months earlier and underwent surgery at the hospital in September.
According to him, shortly after the operation, she began experiencing persistent and severe abdominal pain.
Muhammad said his wife repeatedly returned to the hospital to complain about her condition, but was only given pain-relief medication without any further medical investigation.
“Each time she went back to complain, they only prescribed painkillers. They kept telling her the pain was normal for patients who had undergone surgery, but they never recommended an X-ray or any form of scan,” he said.
He added that her condition continued to deteriorate until her death, which he believes could have been prevented with proper medical attention and investigation.
Muhammad said the pain continued for about four months until medical tests and scans were eventually conducted at Muhammad Abdullahi Wade Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, just days before her death.
The results, they claimed, revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the September operation.
Efforts were reportedly underway to conduct a corrective surgery to remove the object, but Aishatu Umar died before the procedure could be carried out.
Describing the incident as gross negligence, the husband said the development had not only caused them deep grief but also raised serious concerns about professional standards in the healthcare system.
“While we acknowledge that death is inevitable, we cannot understand how such an error could occur during a surgical procedure. Incidents like this undermine public confidence in medical professionals and health institutions,” Muhammad said.
He then called on the state government and relevant health regulatory authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action, insisting that justice must be served.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the issue.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, issued the order on Tuesday, stating that the investigation aims to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. The investigation will be transparent, impartial, and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” the statement added.
The Board assured the public that patient safety remains its utmost priority and pledged commitment to upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State.
A visit by US President Donald Trump to a Ford Motor Company plant in Michigan turned tense after he was filmed making an obscene gesture at a factory worker.
The incident happened during a tour of the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, where Trump was promoting his administration’s manufacturing agenda.
Video of the moment has been shared widely on social media. It shows the president walking along an elevated catwalk inside the plant.
As he passed over the assembly floor, a worker shouted, “Pedophile protector!”
The remark appeared to reference controversy surrounding the administration’s handling of classified files linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump stopped walking and turned toward the worker. He pointed in the man’s direction and appeared to mouth the words “f**k you” twice.
As he turned to leave, he raised his middle finger toward the heckler. Security officials quickly stepped in as Trump continued the tour.
The worker was later identified by The Washington Post as TJ Sabula, a member of UAW Local 600.
Sabula told reporters he has been suspended by Ford. “I have absolutely no regrets,” he said, adding that he made sure the president could hear him “very clearly.”
The White House defended has also Trump’s reaction. In a statement, Communications Director Steven Cheung described the worker as a “lunatic.”
Cheng added that Sabula was “wildly screaming expletives.” He also said the president’s response was “appropriate and unambiguous.”
Ford Motor Company distanced itself from the confrontation. A spokesperson said the company does not tolerate inappropriate language inside its facilities.
Ford added that the rest of the visit was a success and highlighted the production of the F-150 pickup truck.
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has reportedly dropped its fees, allowing more people in Iran to bypass the government’s most aggressive effort yet to block information from reaching the outside world, according to activists.
Although Elon Musk’s SpaceX has not officially announced the move and did not respond to requests for comment, activists say Starlink has been available free of charge since Tuesday to anyone in Iran with the required receivers.
The development comes as Iranian authorities intensify internet restrictions amid a renewed wave of protests and violent crackdowns. Starlink, which provides satellite-based internet access, has become a critical tool for activists seeking to share information despite state-imposed shutdowns.
“Starlink has been crucial,” said Mehdi Yahyanejad, an Iranian activist whose nonprofit organisation, Net Freedom Pioneers, has helped smuggle Starlink units into the country. He pointed to graphic footage that surfaced on Sunday showing rows of bodies at a forensic medical centre near Tehran.
“That footage showed a few hundred bodies on the ground, and it came out because of Starlink,” Yahyanejad said in an interview from Los Angeles. “Those videos changed people’s understanding of what is happening because they could see it with their own eyes.”
Starlink remains officially banned in Iran, but its use has grown among protesters and activists determined to keep communication channels open despite government restrictions.
Projects for University students vary due to the different colleges they are in, but some duos decided to take this one in particular seriously and have got the internet buzzing.
In the arts department, students were divided into groups to choose and create any art for performance in class.
Most students chose painting, dancing, singing, storytelling, poem recitation, and drama.
These two students thought outside the box to the extent that their lecturer was amazed by their deep thinking.
A certain video went viral in 2025, it was about a madam and her students. People criticised the madam, but along the line, some realised the boy was not in a compromised position.
They chose to recreate that viral video, but this time, no one would be in a compromised position, as they both consented.
With how their project was energy draining, the students were tasked to rehearse and record it for their supervisor to score them.
Just as the madam and the student video was, they recreated the same thing and did not leave a single detail out.
The lecturer was astonished by how his students were able to learn all the moves in the viral video to create such magic.
White Privilege at Roadblocks, And Why It Makes Me Uncomfortable
One thing that genuinely shocked me when I moved to Zambia, and before that when I lived in Malawi and Botswana, is the way some white people speak to public officials.
Rude is putting it mildly. Entitled is probably closer.
I have seen it most clearly at police roadblocks. On occasions where I have been a passenger with other white people, I have watched the tone change. The eye rolling. The impatience. The talking down to young officers, male and female, as if they are an inconvenience rather than public servants doing their job.
These officers are often very young. Many are just starting out in life. They wear the uniform of the Republic of Zambia and represent the state. They deserve respect.
Yes, I am aware that not every officer is perfect. Like any institution anywhere in the world, there are bad apples. And yes, I think many roadblocks are unnecessary. I do not enjoy them either. I am also aware that, on occasion, bribery has happened.
But here is my lived reality. I rarely experience problems at roadblocks. And I suspect that is because of how I conduct myself.
I greet officers politely. I call them sir or madam, regardless of their age. I treat them with courtesy. I acknowledge that they are doing their job.
Most of the time, that is enough for them to wave me through.
If they ask for documents, that is my responsibility, not their inconvenience. Insurance, fitness, licence, those are statutory requirements. Why should I be offended that someone is checking I am compliant? That is literally their duty.
And here is the uncomfortable part. Why should I expect to be treated differently because I am white?
I should not.
I have seen the same entitlement in other spaces too. Banks. Government offices. Shops. Situations where some foreigners try to jump queues or demand immediate service, relying on the politeness and humility that many Zambian people naturally show.
Often they get away with it. And frankly, it disgusts me.
It is embarrassing to watch. And it exposes how quietly white supremacy can seep into everyday interactions, not through violence or slogans, but through tone, impatience, and assumed superiority.
I am a guest in this country.
Yes, as a visitor I deserve courtesy. But courtesy is not preference. It does not mean being exempt from rules. It does not mean being spoken to first or served faster.
I am also very aware that I have a public platform now. Nearly two hundred thousand people follow me on Facebook alone, many of them here in Zambia. Wherever I go, there are eyes on me, even when I do not realise it.
That accountability matters.
I do my best not to take advantage of my skin colour. And if I ever do, consciously or unconsciously, then I deserve to be called out. No excuses. No special treatment.
If we are serious about respect, then it has to show up in how we speak to people with less power than us. Especially young public servants. Especially in a country that is not our own.
The United States has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Nigeria and Russia, as it reassesses applicants who may be deemed a “public charge.”
According to the U.S. State Department, the suspension is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely while consular officers review screening and vetting procedures. Other affected countries include Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Thailand and Yemen.
The decision follows heightened scrutiny of immigration processes, particularly after a major fraud scandal in Minnesota involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs. Many of those implicated in the case are Somali or Somali-American, prompting closer examination of benefit-related risks linked to immigration.
In November 2025, the State Department issued guidance to consular posts worldwide, directing officers to strictly enforce the long-standing “public charge” rule. Under the provision, visa applications can be denied based on factors such as age, health status, English proficiency, financial capacity, and the likelihood of requiring long-term public assistance.
A State Department spokesperson said the move was aimed at preventing abuse of public welfare systems and protecting U.S. resources, noting that immigration processing from the affected countries would remain paused while procedures are reassessed.
Full list of affected countries
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
