STICK TO DIALOGUE PLAN, WINA TELLS LUNGU, HH

Sat, 19 Aug 2017 12:13:00 +0000

By Annie Zulu

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu and UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema must stick to their commitment to dialogue, freedom fighter and veteran politician, Sikota Wina has said.

Mr Wina reminded the two leaders that Zambians were expectant as they had both expressed willingness to dialogue.

He said that it was only going to be fair if President Lungu and Mr Hichilema fulfilled their commitment to dialogue to the nation.

“During the past few months we have had several international dignitaries visiting the country and due to the kindness of President Lungu, they were allowed to go and visit Mr Hakainde when he was in incarceration in Mukobeko Prison.

“Most of the dignitaries requested for a dialogue between the two leaders, in order to conclude this matter properly and they both agreed, so it will only be fair if they fulfil their promise and not change their minds,” he said.

And Mr Wina said there was nothing strange about an incarcerated political leader having dialogue with the President when they leave prison, stressing that it was an established system in Zambia.

He pointed out that first republican President Kenneth Kaunda and together with Princess Nakatindi Wina had dialogue with former president Frederick Chiluba when he was Head of State after they were released from prison.

“This tradition of incarcerated leaders when they come out to have dialogue with the President is an established system in our land, even Nakatindi and Dr Kaunda did it before and it led to forgiveness,” he said.

He added that it was necessary for dialogue to take place, as it would help in finding a lasting solution to the causes of political tension in the country.

Mr Wina noted that dialogue would also enable Government and the country as a whole to forge ahead and concentrate more on developmental issues.

He has since advised the two leaders to put aside their political differences and put the interests of the Zambian people before theirs.

Mr Wina said both President Lungu and Mr Hichilema should lead by example and make peace with each other.

“We must bring the nation back to normal, and this can only be done through dialogue between the two leaders. This nation needs to continue with its programme of peace and development.

“I am sure it will be the biggest news once the nation knows that the two leaders have met and they have discussed various matters concerning peace and pulling the nation in one
direction,” Mr Wina said.