Mon, 10 Jul 2017 10:14:14 +0000
By ANNIE ZULU and SIMON MUNTEMBA
UNITED Progressive People (UPP) leader Saviour Chishimba should be the last person to talk about the failures of others because he failed to develop Kasama Central Constituency when he was Member of Parliament, Northern Province Patriotic Front (PF) deputy chairperson for elections Chibwaya Muma has said.
And another opposition leader has charged that defaming the Head of State has its own consequences and Dr Chishimba should not act foolishly to make headlines so that he can be arrested.
Dr. Cozmo Mumba, who is president of the National Revolution Party (NRP) said Dr Chishimba risked being arrested for his rantings and accusations against the state which he could not substantiate.
And Mr Muma has urged Dr Chishimba to give President Edgar Lungu the respect he deserved.
He condemned what he called an “insult statement” targeted at President Lungu, by Dr Chishimba.
On Friday the UPP leader held a press briefing where he gave his view on the current state of affairs in the country.
In his speech, Dr Chishimba accused President Lungu of being a dictator and not governing the country well.
But Mr Muma charged that it was ridiculous for Dr Chishimba to accuse President Lungu of not doing his job, when he failed to deliver development to the people of Kasama Central when he was their MP.
“The statement made by UPP leader Saviour Chishimba who is also former Kasama MP when he addressed the press is very unfortunate and must be condemned.
“Who is he to say President Lungu has failed to govern this country? When he was MP he did nothing for the people of Kasama Central?” Mr Muma wondered.
He also warned that the party would not tolerate those in the habit of insulting the President.
Mr Muma said President Lungu deserved respect because he was not just President for PF but also the Republican President.
He noted that respect for the office of the President in any climate was not a matter of choice but a civic obligation that must be respected.
“We will not allow this kind of behaviour of anyone insulting our party president who is also the Republican President. The President deserves total respect and we are warning them.
“Being an opposition party or critic is no licence to issue abusive, intemperate and slanderous statements on the president, it’s not just right,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mumba took a swipe at Dr. Chishimba, saying he (Chishimba) should shut up and stop his unsubstantiated accusations and attacks against President Lungu before he is made to account for his statements.
“Defamation of character of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu by UPP leader Saviour Chishimba is uncalled for. This guy wants to please his paymasters but they will not protect him when the law visits him.
