Tue, 30 May 2017 11:07:43 +0000
By MUKOSELA KASALWE
MMUSI Maimane should not dare the Government and he cannot lecturer Zambians on how they should govern themselves, says former UPND deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo.
Mr. Lifwekelo said it was unfortunate that the South African opposition leader had decided to use a serious matter which was before the courts of law for political gain.
He said the action by Mr. Maimane to come to Zambia even after being advised not to by South Africa High Commissioner Emmanuel Mwamba was not an act of solidarity but undermining a sovereign state which upholds the rule of law.
Mr. Lifwekelo said the behaviour of Mr. Maimane was tantamount to contempt of court as he had demanded for the release of incarcerated UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and threatened to organise leaders in Southern Africa to interfere in the judicial process of an independent country.
He said Mr. Maimane was a puppet who was sponsored by disgruntled people who did not support democracy in Africa.
Mr. Lifwekelo said that Mr. Maimane should provide leadership in South Africa and not use a serious matter to boost his political career.
“The behaviour by the South African leader Mmusi Maimane is uncalled for, and he should not dare Government that he will come back to Zambia, his visit was not an act of solidarity but of disrespect to a sovereign state.
“Maimane cannot lecture Zambians on how they should govern themselves as he is puppet of people who hate democracy,” he said
Mr. Lifwekelo said that people who were urging President Edgar Lungu to interfere in Mr. Hichilema’s case were insincere because the arms of Government were independent from each other and that the Head of State could only come in if one was convicted, through the prerogative of mercy.
He said that the non-interference of court issues by President Lungu would reinforce faith in the judicial system.
