UPND in disarray, says Lifwekelo

Tue, 09 May 2017 12:22:51 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

THE UPND is in disarray after the incarceration of Hakainde Hichilema as he individualised the opposition party using his financial muscle and not based on ideology or national character, says former UPND deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo.

Mr Lifwekelo said it was unfortunate that some political parties were formed out of greed as well as selfish interests and not based on sound ideology or national character, saying the situation was not good for the growth of democracy in the country.

He said the UPND was literally non-existent without Mr Hichilema around and that this was evident in the resounding silence from the party leadership on national matters and stated that party vice-president for administration Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba had equally hibernated.

Mr Lifwekelo said under the leadership of UPND founding president Anderson Mazoka the party had attained national character but that it was no longer the case with Mr Hichilema, saying he was running the organisation single-handedly using his wealth.

“The UPND has lost direction following the incarceration of Hakainde Hichilema as he had individualised the party using his financial muscle and not based on party ideology or national character,” he said.

He said not all hope was lost of having a vibrant opposition party after the formation of Party of National Unity by former UPND Bweengwa Member of Parliament Highvie Hamududu, saying the theme was timely as the nation was eager for leadership which would foster national unity. Mr Lifwekelo said the  PNU would give the UPND a run for their money, saying the party would be a serious contender in their strongholds.

And the former UPND deputy spokesperson has come to the defence of the Zambia Police Service, saying they were professionals and urged critics to allow them to continue carrying out their duties freely.