Fri, 26 May 2017 09:47:04 +0000
By OSCAR MALIPENGA
THERE is a scheme where some former colonial masters want to regroup and take over leadership in Africa but we shall not allow them, President Edgar Lungu has charged.
And the Head of State said he was aware of some people who wanted to bring back colonialism in Africa and that they will not be allowed.
Meanwhile, President Lungu said whoever did not take party in yesterday’s Africa Freedom day celebrations because of politics was not a Zambian.
The Head of State said this yesterday when he addressed a flock of Zambians from different walks of life who celebrated the investiture ceremony to mark Africa freedom day at State House.
“Whoever is not here with us because of politics is not a Zambians because if you are Zambian you should be very proud to be here. “Why should we fight against freedom? I know some people want to bring back colonialism in Africa we will not allow that,” President Lungu said.
The Head of State took note of opposition political party leaders who turned up to commemorate Africa Freedom day.
“Dr. Kenneth Kaunda allow me to say that we know there is scheme where some former colonial masters want to regroup and take over leadership in Africa.
We will not allow that,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu said the Africa freedom day was indeed to inspire the young women and men to work even harder to take Zambia forward.
He said there was no reason why youths should be ignore.
President Lungu said although his office was is generally a very busy one, it could equally be lonely as most of the time he did not have an opportunity to freely interact with the citizens and mingle.
“I hope there will be time as we eat to mingle freely. I know that my security stops you from interacting with me and they also stop me from interacting with you.
“The same frustration you feel when they stop you from interacting with the President is the same frustration I feel when I do not have access to you. So we hope these barriers can be broken for a while so that we can interact freely,” President Lungu said.
He said he was particular happy that the majority of the people at the gathering constitute youths, adding that it went very well with this year’s continental theme of the Africa freedom day, which is, “harnessing the demographic dividend through investment in the youth”.
“This is a global theme and Zambia should set standards to show that we can quickly harness the dividends. I believe that we can make dramatic changes by being focused.
President Lungu, who recognised Dr. Kaunda and several other freedom fighters, posthumously honoured late Prof. Neil Nkanza with the Order of Distinguished Service: First Division award to be the grand commander of the distinguished service.
