Thu, 10 Aug 2017 13:42:01 +0000
By Simon Muntemba
THERE is need for all of us as political leaders to heed the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo’s advice that 2016 elections should no longer be an issue as there can be only one President at a time, the National Congress Party (NCP) has said.
And the NCP leader, Peter Chanda has commended President Edgar Lungu for allowing General Obasanjo to visit the incarcerated UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema at Mukobeko Correctional facility.
Pastor Chanda urged other political leaders to heed General Obasanjo’s advice saying it was timely.
He noted that to ensure that peace, stability were at progress and continued to exist, not just in Zambia but in all the 53 countries in Africa, the political leaders needed to reconcile.
“As Zambian political leaders, there is need for all of us to heed the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo to no longer make 2016 elections as an issue as there could be only one President at a time.
“We need to put the 2016 general elections behind and allow those who won to rule,” he said.
And the NCP president said that the gesture by President Lungu was a demonstration that he was committed to ensuring there was peace and harmony in Zambia.
“As a party, we acknowledge and note the efforts made by various stakeholders for reconciliations between HH and President Lungu. We also commend President Lungu for allowing General Obasanjo to visit Mr. Hichilema at Mukobeko Correctional facility,” he said.
He added, “And we would also like to commend the Catholic Bishops for spearheading reconciliation between HH and President Lungu.”
Pastor Chanda said that all prayers and efforts made for the reconciliation of the two leaders should be encouraged and supported by all well-meaning Zambians.
He expressed happiness to hear from General Obasanjo that the gap between Mr. Hichilema and President Lungu was narrowing saying the development was long overdue to ensure peace continued to prevail in Zambia.
Pastor Chanda, however, appealed to the UPND general membership to be peaceful and allow the law to take its course on the matter involving their incarcerated leader.
He indicated that there was need to uphold peace, unity and stability amongst the Zambian citizen regardless of political affiliations.
