Wed, 12 Apr 2017 06:07:10 +0000
By Andrew Mukoma
THE conduct of opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and his entourage’s refusal to give way to President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade in Mongu on Saturday has continued to receive mixed reaction from members of the public.
Some Livingstone residents have accused Mr Hichilema of undermining the highest office in the land while others are blaming it on the police.
Those spoken to felt there was need for Mr Hichilema to exhibit leadership skills and maturity especially that President Lungu was sworn in as Head of State.
But the UPND in Livingstone has refuted the claims, calling it Government public relations propaganda intended to mislead the public.
UPND district spokesman Neto Halwabala has come to the defence of his leader’s conduct.
“We are getting worried on Government’s conduct of issues to do with public relations. There is too much lies and propaganda on the part of PF and the police which is not healthy for the nations,” he said in a statement.
“This is a total lie and a complete misrepresentation of facts. I was there; at no time did we block Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s convoy.
‘‘I am sure you are all aware that we were in the convoy as well and no one told us that Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s motorcade was also coming anytime soon. We just saw the motorcade overtaking us and how can any normal person expect HH’s motorcade to abruptly stop when we were moving at a high speed as well?” he said.
“This allegation is just exposing PF and the police’s failure to secure the President when on the public road.
“We regret that instead of apologizing for the inconvenience caused to many road users on that day, the PF and the police want to mislead the public and heap the blame on HH’s entourage,” Mr Halwabala said.
