Patriotic Front Slams Government for Threatening Supporters Ahead of Lungu Court Case
The Patriotic Front (PF) has accused the UPND government of attempting to curtail the constitutional rights of citizens by threatening to arrest those who show up at court in solidarity with former President Edgar Lungu.
Speaking at a press briefing, PF Vice President Given Lubinda condemned the statement made by the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, warning that the government had information about “subversive activities” planned at the court.
“We wonder why he has not gone for those individuals instead of curtailing the constitutional right of movement of the people and their liberty to attend court proceedings,” Lubinda said.
The PF leader pointed out that the public has been allowed to attend court proceedings involving other high-profile figures in the past, including former President Hakainde Hichilema when he was the leader of the opposition.
“Why has it become different now? Court proceedings are public and it is not in the power of the minister nor the president to interfere in the judicial and administrative functions of the courts,” Lubinda stated.
The comments come as the case against former President Lungu, where a petitioner is seeking a declaration that Lungu was ineligible to contest the 2021 elections, is set to be heard on Tuesday. Lubinda urged Zambians to show up in solidarity with the former president and the integrity of the judiciary.
The PF also expressed concern over the recent ruling by the Constitutional Court regarding the expulsion of nine members of parliament, accusing the Speaker of the National Assembly of unlawfully declaring their seats vacant.
Furthermore, the party criticized President Hichilema’s statement about reaching out to meet with his predecessor, Edgar Lungu, describing it as a “hypocritical pronouncement” and calling on the current head of state to address the numerous challenges facing the country, including the cost of living crisis, economic instability, and public health issues.
“As he confronts his pronouncement about meeting ECL, we implore Mr. Hakainde to address the numerous challenges that he has inflicted on the people of Zambia,” Lubinda said.
The PF’s strong rebuke of the government’s actions and call for public support underscores the ongoing political tensions in Zambia as the country navigates the aftermath of a highly contested election and the continuing legal battles surrounding the former president.
What purpose will those people serve at the courts than cause confusion?
We spend so much time encouraging unproductive activities and then cry about being hungry and expecting hand outs.
PF needs to stop and ask what real value than noise making that this serves.
In the end they encourage people to loot the treasury when in power because “looting and encouraging tranny” is all they are about.
Ka fwani fya ku chita instead of following looters. Abana efyo mule fya ba sambilile?
Let Boma continue to be firm!
We don’t want to see the same level of Lawlessness we saw in East Africa, all in the name of Democracy!
Only those to appear before the Courts should turn up!
Any idleness should be frowned upon. It all starts with idleness them the devil takes over and the end result is disruption of public safety!
Jombo should continue maintaining guard!
Well done ZP!
Mulibe size!
Zambians you can do better, than wasting your precious time following Lungu and Lubinda to court. What are you trying to achieve? Lungu is not the 1st president of Zambia. All the past presidents have gone quietly. What is wrong with this lungu who thinks he owns Zambia? The jail is waiting for you. I urge all of you Zambians not to follow those who stole your money. What they coming back for? To steal again? There’s time to retire in life. They tell us to go back to the land but themselves don’t want to do what they tell others. Foolish politicians. Inchito ilapwa retire and enjoy your benefits. Zambia needs fres
Zambia needs fresh , undented, enthusiastic young people to achieve our goals in the new era. Not fi pfools with no new ideas, always hh this, hh that nonsense. Zambians have tried lungu and his pools and remain rejected. No normal person would want pfools back in power. The people crying insala are those who have never worked in life and have always benefitted from political hand-outs. Ifwe tulayibombela no need na grz money. Those with no shame want to be feeding on the poor why?