PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF THE 12 AUGUST GENERAL ELECTIONS

HIS EXCELLENCY, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has said the country should never be put on fire regardless of the outcome of the results on this year’s General Elections.Speaking during the commissioning and handing over ceremony of the Kanyama Police Station in Lusaka yesterday, the Head of State told the general public that there was no need for people to be violent when their leaders are never confrontational with each other.

President Lungu added that there is need for citizens to report all trouble makers.“Report all trouble makers to the police, there is no need to be violent when your leaders are not violent. We should never put this great country on fire regardless of the outcome of the results on 12th august. Let us campaign peacefully. To the police officers who will be working here, let me urge you to build robust alliances with the community.

Once you create these alliances, your work will be easier,” he saidMeanwhile, President Lungu said it is his responsibility to ensure peace and tranquility in all townships of the country adding that security is key to peace.The Head of State further mentioned that business flourishes when there is peace and tranquility in an area.He is positive that the Police Station will enhance access to justice in the area.“Today is a great day for the people of Kanyama, who for the first time since the establishment of this township, have been presented with a police station to enhance their security. I join you, the people of Kanyama, in celebrations because security is a key component to peace; and when there is peace and tranquility in an area, business flourish.

What’s more, this police station will also improve access to justice,” he said.“This is why, you the people of Kanyama, must be delighted today that I am commissioning this police station. With the commissioning of this police station, I expect enhanced security in this large township. It is my responsibility as President of this great nation to ensure peace and tranquility in all townships of Zambia.

This is why I am equally delighted that finally Kanyama has a police station.”The President disclosed that Kanyama constituency had only four functional Police Posts which proved to be inadequate to provide security for the ever-growing population. He indicated that government, working with the community, mobilized resources to construct this police station adding that finances came from the Constituency Development Fund and contributions from the business community. And President Lungu called on the people of Kanyama Constituency to work with the Zambia police service in enhancing law and order in your township.

He further urged locals not to be driven into violence by citizens who don’t mean well, especially now that campaigns have commenced.“Let me urge you the people of Kanyama Constituency to work with the Zambia police service in enhancing law and order in your township. It is important that we safeguard this infrastructure by reporting vandals to the police. The culture of destroying infrastructure meant to protect you must stop because when you become a victim of crime you will have nowhere to go. Let me also urge you not to be driven into violence by citizens who don’t mean well, especially now that campaigns have commenced,” he said.The President however commended Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja and others for the “job well done.”