By KETRA KALUNGA
AVOID creating a hate culture regarding the decision to reinstate civil servants that were retired in the national interest because when the President retires someone in national interest it means that the nation’s interest is at stake, veteran politician, Katele Kalumba has advised President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Kalumba advised the Head of State to consult with the immediate past President, Edgar Lungu particularly through the security wings of the state to make an informed decision on the matter.
He explained to the Daily Nation that the security wings could review the dismissal or retirement in the national interest and the principal, who is President Hakainde Hichilema, could consult Mr. Lungu.
Dr. Kalumba said it’s in national interest that successful administrations consult each other on matters to avoid reinstating a person that was retired in national interest for failing to serve the interests of the nation.
Dr. Kalumba, who served as Foreign Affairs minister in the MMD administration, said that it is important for the former and current presidents to engage in consultations to have a full understanding of why some civil servants were retired in national interest.
“There are specific instruments afforded to those that are running our state system to consult each other, that is why it is wrong if a President leaves office someone who succeeds him starts throwing mud at him. That does not allow for statecraft to be exercised properly,” he said.
He urged President Hakainde Hichilema to use the channels that are established between him and Mr Lungu to make consultations on the matter he said borders on security and welfare of the nation.
Dr. Kalumba said there is no collective injury because no one would be capable of hating all Bembas, Tongas, Ngonis or Lozis hence the need to tread cautiously in order to avoid creating continuous tension in the country by bringing those retired in the national interest and having others replaced.
“If your friend made mistakes by inclination according to the political support and the rest of the country saw it, equally if you are doing the same, they will see,” he said.
