Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:24:10 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA in Namwala
FORMER UPND Namwala Member of Parliament, Robbie Chizyuka has joined and endorsed the newly formed Party of National Unity (PNU) and its leader Highvie Hamududu.
Addressing hundreds of his supporters in Namwala yesterday, Major Chizyuka said he decided to join the PNU because it was founded on the principle of uniting the nation and giving equal representation of all regions.
He said he ditched the UPND because of its current poor leadership and dictatorial tendencies.
“I stand here to firmly support the formation of the Party of National Unity which is founded on the principle of uniting the nation and giving equal representation to all regions,” Major Chizyuka said.
Major Chizyuka, however, urged the people of Namwala not to be segregative and avoid politics of tribalism, saying Zambians were children of one family.
And Major Chizyuka condemned the burning of houses and properties of political opponents that occurred in Namwala.
He appealed to the Chief Mukobela of the Ila people and all senior headmen who attended his press briefing not to allow to be used by selfish politicians to propagate politically motivated violence in the land.
He charged that the current state of affairs did not give hope to Zambians as some political parties and their leaders had premised their existence on vengeance and retaliation which had nothing to do with improving the well-being of poor Zambians.
Major Chizyuka added, “Mazoka was a peace-maker, an ardent believer of unity and a statesman of high quality, but times have changed since that time.
“The change is from both ends – the performance of those in power and the conduct and profile of UPND after the change of leadership,” he charged.
Major Chizyuka charged that the PF had also got it wrong because it has been as violent as the UPND.
And Major Chizyuka disclosed that 11 PNU branches in two wards of Kaluweza and Namwala central had been formed comprising 40 officials in every branch.
He said that about 440 officials mainly from UPND and PF resigned and joined PNU.
And speaking at the same function, PNU Vice President, Antony Makuwa who welcomed Major Chizyuka and hundreds of new members to the party said PNU was formed to correct the anomalies of the PF and UPND which have led to the current tension in the country.
Mr. Makuwa said that his party will provide good leadership and improve the livelihood of all the Zambians.
He, however, urged the people of Namwala and Zambians at large to avoid practicing tribal politics.
Mr. Makuwa said that tribes were nothing compared to the welfare of the nation, adding that there was need to work together as Zambians regardless of where one comes from.
