Dear Editor,
ON January 25, 2015, then Minister of Defence Edgar Lungu took oath before then acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda as caretaker President to complete the remainder of late President Michael Sata’s term.
Since his past is well documented, for the brevity and economy of space, we will not comprehensively list the how President Lungu has turned the fortunes of this country both during the residue of President Sata’s term and his first term which commenced in 2016.
Mr Lungu rose to power on the platform of stability and he was the best suited to bring together a very divided nation.
His first task was to restore the diplomatic relations with other countries. President Lungu started by visiting various countries determined to make Zambia coexist with other nations.
The efforts by the President have seen investors flocking to Zambia as their preferred investment destination.
Besides that, President Lungu’s administration carried over the various economic projects that were initiated by the PF founding father, Mr Sata.
Among them includes the construction of the over 650 health posts across the country, recruitment of 36, 000 health personnel, the upgrading of the institutions of health among others.
This investment in the health sector has well been utilised during the Covid-19 virus which has seen Zambian health posts manned by Zambian trained health practitioner.
President Lungu’s administration has strengthened the fight against corruption and this is evident from the operationalisation of the Financial Intelligence Centre as well as increasing capacity.
President Lungu’s tenure has seen the increase of budgetary allocation to institutions that are charged with fighting corruption.
As regards the rule of law, President Lungu was courageous to assent to the constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act no. 2 of 2016 which created the various institutions of government.
The constitution had some reforms which had constitutionally prescribed functions and this has brought about confidence in the rule of law.
In the media sector, President Lungu has presided over the government that has seen a proliferation of media houses.
As regards those that are in a tendency of abusing journalists, it is under his watch that the perpetrators of evils against press freedom have been arrested, successfully prosecuted and now serving the jail terms.
It is on some of these positives that today we celebrate six years of President Lungu’s leadership with pride.
His tenure as caretaker President to finish the remainder of late Michael Sata’s term, his first term in office has brought about pride to the nation.
We are very optimistic that the good stewardship that his administration deserves continued service to the nation.
We are very confident that the various successes outweigh the weaknesses thus he should be given chance to continue as President.
Happy sixth anniversary Mr President.
MARVIN CHANDA MBERI,
Lusaka.
