No more foreign trips – Lungu

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 09:38:02 +0000

By VIOLET TEMBO

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has suspended all foreign trips due to the huge workload, such as stalled projects.

Speaking on arrival at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe Airport in Ndola yesterday, President Lungu stated that he had already informed his office that he had suspended foreign trips this year to concentrate on the huge task ahead of his local agenda.

“My job is to go round the country because I am the supervisor. When I stay home they say I’m sick and when I travel they start talking about my movements,” said President Lungu.

President Lungu said he wanted to see to it that all stalled projects were completed before new ones were contracted as he was duty-bound to supervise all government projects which were ongoing countrywide.

Recently President Lungu delegated Vice-President Inonge Wina to represent him at the African Union heads of state summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while he concentrated on domestic assignments.

On assertions by opposition political parties who have seen his countrywide inspection of projects as campaigns ahead of the 2021 elections, President Lungu said those who were hurt should also start their campaigns.

On the issue of succession, Mr. Lungu said even if he dropped dead, the country’s constitution clearly stated that the Vice President would take up the mantle.

Mr. Lungu said the PF was not short of manpower, adding that a candidate would be fielded in the 2021 general elections.

“If I dropped dead today, God forbid, the constitution clearly states that madam Inonge Wina has to assume the office, if it happened that both of us died before the election year, cabinet has to decide. Those calling for early elections before 2021 are just wasting their time.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has described as utter nonsense, claims by the opposition that government was using police to intimidate them.

He said if doing his job was a political campaign, the opposition parties should follow suit.

President Lungu is on a three-day visit on the Copperbelt after which he is expected to travel to Mongu.

Addressing PF members during the ground breaking ceremony for construction of the Copperbelt Province party office complex at Dola Hill in Ndola, the President advised aggrieved party members who did not agree with party values to leave the party and allow it to continue on its progressive ideas.