UPND pleads with police to free HH

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 09:45:54 +0000

By ROGERS KALERO

UPND Copperbelt chairperson Elisha Matambo has pleaded with the police to  release party leader Hakainde Hichilema for the sake of peace.

And Mr Matambo has called for the resignation of Police Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja.

Speaking at a briefing in Ndola yesterday, Mr Matambo stated that tension among UPND members and sympathizers in the province was heightening following the arrest of Mr Hichilema on Tuesday over allegations of treason.

An emotionally charged Mr Matambo said the arrest of their leader portrayed that the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) wanted to divide the country.

“For the sake of peace in the country we are asking the police to release HH.

‘‘There is serious tension here. We have just told our supporters to remain calm. What happened in Mongu is not HH’s fault. Again, look was HH alone in the entourage? Why arrest him alone?

‘‘Let the police drop that stupid charge now. We are not going to allow this behaviour from Lungu and his PF police cadres. If they do not adhere to our plea to release our leader they should watch the space,” Mr Matambo said.

Mr Matambo said days were numbered for President Lungu and the PF party. He said PF should not take advantage of the peace in the UPND party.

He said the opposition party was capable of defending itself.

Mr Matambo accused President Lungu of wanting to turn the country into a dictatorship, urging Zambians to be wary.

“PF is serious about one-party state and we want to put it on record that we are not cowards to be intimidated. And IG Kanganja should resign.

‘‘He is just covering up his failures. We want him to resign. This country will go up in flames if we are not careful. Enough is enough,” he said.