Tue, 18 Apr 2017 06:31:49 +0000
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
I PASSIONATELY appeal for calm, peace and love among Zambians in the wake of the heightened tension following the arrest and detention of the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, says Reverend Pukuta Mwanza.
Rev. Mwanza, who is Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director, told the Daily Nation in an interview that there was need for calm, peace among the two leading political parties as the UPND leader appears in court.
“The two leading opposition parties, the ruling PF and UPND leaders, should take centre stage in fostering unity in this country. I am also calling upon all the men, women and youth to stand up and unite in support of our democratic and peaceful nation,” said Rev. Mwanza.
Stressing the importance of remaining peaceful at this sensitive time, Rev. Mwanza has called for restraint of all forms of violence regardless of provocation.
“I appeal to all the politicians across the political divide to make every effort in ensuring an effective way of cadre management and to immediately tone down their confrontational rhetoric,” said Rev. Mwanza.
He has also urged the church to continue praying for politicians so that they could start exercising tolerance and respect for one another.
The EFZ executive director stated that he was concerned that there was so much intolerance and hate speech among certain politicians.
Rev. Mwanza has further called on the Zambia Police to perform their duties of maintaining law and order professionally and effectively without undue pressure from any partisan influence.
He urged both the public and private media to adhere to the principle and ethics of fairness and truth in their political coverage.
