NW PF extends olive branch to UPND MPs, councillors

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 11:00:59 +0000

  THE ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in North Western Province has extended an olive branch to the opposition UPND Members of Parliament and councillors in the province.

PF provincial chairperson Emmanuel Chihili said UPND MPs in the province should not work in isolation just because they are all from the opposition but that they should work closely with the ruling party if they are to take development in their various constituencies.

He said people in the province expected to see the leaders they voted for start fulfilling the promises they made during the campaign period.

He explained that once a Member of Parliament or councillor was elected, whether on the opposition or ruling party’s ticket, they became part of Government.

‘’You cannot operate like an island no matter what you are. You need other people to achieve your goals.

That is why we are extending an olive branch to our colleagues to work together,’’ he said.

Mr Chihili said sentiments by the UPND secretary general Stephen Katuka that the party’s MPs and councillors should shun State functions must be condemned in the strongest terms because they were meant to derail development.

‘’I am happy that some of the MPs are reasoning with us and things are moving well in their areas; but those that want to work in isolation, let them continue and if anything let them also shy away from Government resources because there is only one Government,’’ he said.

Mr Chihili said the PF was keen to take development to every part of the province even though the party did not receive enough votes in the August elections.

He said President Edgar Lungu has categorically stated that his Government will take development to every part of the country without segregation.

He said a lot of projects were earmarked for the province which he said will change the face of the region.

‘’All we need is to remain united and stop politicking because this is not time for politics, Mr Chihili said.