Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:45:08 +0000
By OSCAR MALIPENGA
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says he will not condone lawlessness in the country as he believes every country has a set of rules by which it governs itself.
And United Nations resident coordinator Janet Rogan has suggested to all political sides in Zambia that it was time to rise above partisanship and division ‘‘because it does not serve the greater interest of the people’’.
Delivering his speech at the launch of the 7th National Development Plan in Lusaka yesterday, President Lungu said there was nobody above the law.
The Head of State said he was in charge of Zambia and that a higher spiritual force (God) was in control of the land.
He observed that in order for a country or society to be governed there was need to respect rules and regulations.
He observed that Zambia was a Christian nation and would remain as such. He said he was a firm believer in God and as such he prays to God for guidance.
Meanwhile, Mrs Rogan urged politicians to set aside their own interests, adding that the 7th National Development Plan should be the agenda.
She said the plan must be a basis for peaceful, respectful national dialogue.
“Just as it is the job of the leadership of the country to create the space for that peaceful, respectful national dialogue, it is equally the responsibility of all others to step into that space to chart the way forward peacefully and respectfully, together.
“The UN stands ready to support such a peaceful, respectful national dialogue,” she said.
Mrs Rogan however said Zambia truly remained a peaceful and democratically stable country despite all its challenges.
She said peace and stability could never be taken for granted.
