Wed, 26 Apr 2017 11:41:33 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA and CHARLES MUSONDA
WE ARE extremely saddened and disappointed with reports linking veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga to an international campaign aimed at discrediting Zambia over the arrest of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the Evangelical Youth Alliance of Zambia (EYA) has said.
EYA president Reverend Moses Lungu said his alliance was saddened that Dr Mwaanga, who is a former diplomat, could allow the country’s image to be tarnished for selfish interests.
“VJ is reported to have been to different countries misrepresenting the country over the arrest of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for selfish interests. It is very irresponsible of him to embark on that journey and we are extremely saddened and disappointed with him,” Rev. Lungu said.
“It’s unfortunate that he is trying to tarnish the image of the over 15 million Zambians to the international community for the sake of one reckless opposition political leader,” he said.
He advised Dr Mwaanga against putting the country to shame for the sake of an individual.
“He should be reminded that what he is doing will damage the reputation of Zambians and let him not put the country at ransom to benefit just an individual,” Rev. Lungu said.
And the New Revolution Party (NRP) has called on the police to arrest Dr Mwaanga for giving false information to the public and the international community. NRP president Cozmo Mumba told the Daily Nation yesterday that as one of Zambia’s first diplomats, Dr Mwaanga understood well diplomatic etiquette.
“For a diplomat to tarnish the name of Zambia in other countries, I think to me he is a foolish old man. Vernon Mwaanga has the power and right to contact President Lungu and discuss with him whatever he feels is not going on well.
“For Vernon Mwaanga to go to other countries in Southern Africa and planning to go to other countries to tarnish Zambia’s image, I think he doesn’t know the consequences because giving false information to the public and the international community is a serious felony,” Dr Mumba said.
He said he did not know what police were waiting for to take decisive action against Dr. Mwaanga, adding that continuing to comment on Mr Hichilema’s case was contemptuous because the matter was in court.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda disclosed that President Edgar Lungu held a closed door meeting with Dr. Mwaanga on Monday.
Mr Chanda said the veteran politician met President Lungu to clear himself over allegations that he had been insinuating that Zambia was on fire.
He said President Lungu and Dr Mwaanga discussed a wide range of issues when they met at State House.
