ZAMBIA MUST CHOOSE DIALOGUE OVER INTIMIDATION – MUSHIMBA
Organised People’s Party (OPP) President Eng. Dr. Brian Mushimba has called for dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness following Zambia’s recently concluded elections, warning that continued confrontations with dissenting voices could deepen political divisions.
Dr Mushimba said he was concerned about the continued targeting of Archbishop Alick Banda, while acknowledging that the State had the right to investigate genuine allegations.
He, however, cautioned that such authority should not be used to silence dissent, intimidate critics or punish citizens for expressing views that may be uncomfortable to those in power.
“I am deeply disturbed by what appears to be the continued targeting of Archbishop Alick Banda,” Dr Mushimba said.
He said Zambia remained divided and that unnecessary confrontations with dissenting voices could increase suspicion and widen political differences.
“Zambia is fractured. Divided,” he said, adding that every confrontation with dissenting voices could push citizens further apart.
Dr Mushimba said true leadership should be measured by the ability to listen, engage and forgive rather than by the number of people summoned by the authorities.
“True leadership is demonstrated by the courage to listen, the humility to engage and the wisdom to forgive,” he said.
He further warned that fear and intimidation could not provide a foundation for national unity, particularly where citizens held divergent political views.
“We cannot build a united Zambia through fear,” Dr Mushimba said.
He called on Government to lower the political temperature and embrace dialogue and reconciliation after the August elections.
“We dialogue. We reconcile. We forgive each other,” he said.
It’s good to target thieves and criminals! That’s what every good governance structure aims for. Alick Banda should just answer for his misdeeds, period! Crime must be punished, not made a subject of dialogue. Alick Banda can have a day of dialogue in court. This is the truth that sets everyone free. Stop the “Animal Farm” mentality and develop the country. Alick is a danger to this country.
Another candidate for grade 8 civics lessons. Who tells you Dr. Mushimba that the president must interfere with court processes? Let the courts do their work and allow the three branches of government to do their work independently. When the right time comes, the president at his own discretion will exercise the powers vested in him by the constitution to pardon those wrongdoers. Let’s not advocate for shortcuts in legal matters.
I am fed up with this dialogue nonsense. There is no sound basis for it at all. Get on with your life.
Umupampamina watulile ing’oma.
Mr Hakainde Hichilema will eventually find
whatever it is he seeks in the Arch Bishop’s case.
Let the Arch Bishop not be turned into a Propaganda Punching bag. Called today, tomorrow and the other day thinking the Holy see will blink and remove him as Bishop of Lusaka Diocese. The Catholic Church doesn’t operate like that.
If the state thinks they have a case against his grace the Archbishop Dr Alick Banda, let them arrest and charge him, and take him to Court.
You want him in Prison, he is all yours for the picking. But let the Rule of Law and due Judicial Process be followed…
Let the Courts decide the Guiltiness or Innocence of the Archbishop..And not to be turned into a Propaganda Punching bag.