Wed, 06 Sep 2017 13:27:38 +0000
By Sandra Machima
TRADITIONAL leaders and the church should counsel opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema to tone down, if the reconciliation process is to go ahead, Church of God Cathedral of Miracles senior pastor Naison Nyonyo has asked.
Bishop Nyonyo charged that Mr Hichilema’s behaviour was evident enough that he was not ready for reconciliation.
He advised the UPND leader to come out in the open and tell Zambians that he was not interested in dialogue instead of showing his bitterness by denting the image of the country to outsiders.
The clergyman has, however, asked the church to take charge and ensure they sit down politicians before they proceed with the reconciliation process.
“One comes to wonder what the opposition UPND and its leadership is up to, for them to behave like that, and just going out to talk about domestic issues is really surprising.
“And this calls for the church to have a responsibility and ensure they sit him down,” he said.
The clergyman saluted South African President Jacob Zuma for having used wisdom in responding to some questions regarding the Zambians affairs.
He said the church should take a lead and school politicians, noting that reconciliation should not be taken for granted but instead needs humility and respect for one another.
Bishop Nyonyo noted that the government had shown willingness to dialogue but that the other party was still in denial, which was the source of conflict.
He said it was the duty of every citizen, including politicians to respect the rule of law.
And Chief Chiyengele of Western province has charged that Hakainde Hichilema is a letdown because he has failed the purpose of initiators of reconciliation and dialogue and at the same time denting his own country’s image.
Chief Chiyengele said Mr Hichilema should be reasonable and appreciate his release from prison, saying going out to dent the image of the country was only discrediting himself.
