THE COUNTRY SHOULD NOT DISINTEGRATE BECAUSE ONE PERSON WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT – CHIEF CHIKANTA
… as President Lungu warns perpetrators of political violence saying Zambia has been known to be a peaceful nation.
Choma -Thursday, July 29, 2021 (Smart Eagles)
Chief Chikanta of the Tonga speaking people in Dundumwezi, says every political leader has the responsibility to restrain their cadres from engaging in political violence during and after elections.
Speaking when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on him and chief Mapanza in Choma, Chief chikanta said the country should not disintegrate because one person wants to be President.
The traditional leader said the country must remain peaceful even after the August 12 General elections.
“We will surely take that responsibility of maintaining peace seriously, the country can not disintegrate because one person wants to be President whether you or the opposition.
The country must remain peaceful, elections are just one day thereafter, we remain Zambians,” Chief Chikanta said.
“So we must not destroy the country by engaging in political violence, everybody must take account of their actions. Its people who make choices,” He said.
And Chief Chikanta said President Lungu is free to visit any part of Southern province because claims by some opposition parties that it’s their stronghold does not hold.
“When in Lusaka people deceive you that Southern province is UPND stronghold, but you can see how people are happy to see you outside as the Head of State. If it was not for the pandemic you would have seen a lot of people who want to see you. Issues of strongholds does not hold, we want to see you more in rural areas. Let’s play our roles responsibly otherwise you are welcome to any part of Southern province,” Chief Chikanta said.
And speaking earlier President Lungu said he was happy with a warm welcome accorded to him by the people of Southern province.
“Your Royal Highnesses, I can see alot of joy outside and it reflects the love of our people. Sir, this country has been a peaceful country, one Zambia one Nation, so mostly my prayer is talk to these people, these two political groups who are fighting, who are killing each other, destroying properties, it is not worthy dying for President Lungu or Hakainde Hichilema, you will lose your life,” President Lungu said.
“Destroying properties should not be tolerated. Those who are known call them and talk to them and tell them what you are doing is wrong because you have an important role to play in maintaining law and order, security and development, so dont underestimate your role to maintain peace,” The Head of State said.
Meanwhile, Chief Mapanza said he was happy with the developmental agenda embarked on by President Lungu and the PF Government.
“We are behind you because of your development in this country we are so happy. Continue your journey and we want you to continue governing even after August 12,” Chief Mapanza said.