By ANDREW MUKOMA
CITIZENS have been advised not to abuse their freedom of expression right by demeaning the Office of the President.
Parliamentary Committee Chairperson for Legal, also Chairperson for Human Rights and Governance Clement Andeleki expressed concern on attacks on the presidency.
Mr Andeleki, the Katombora lawmaker in Kazungula district of Southern Province has noted that lately, there has been some politicians that have stepped beyond their right of freedom of expression by being careless in their talks.
Mr Andeleki said that it was a well known fact that some politicians cannot still believe governments have changed and must accept that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is now the President of the Republic of Zambia.
He said, therefore that that his (President HH)’s office deserves the respect it dictates and requires.
Mr Andeleki said that it would be unfortunate if someone found themselves on the wrong side of the law due to their carelessness in talking and their continued disrespect of President Hichilema.
He further noted that he has also observed that there was a clique of politicians who have been promoting tribal politics and that such individuals must stop it.
“This is a warning to persons that are trying to promote tribal division in Zambia that they will be arrested and they should not blame anyone. Much as they have the right to freedom of expression, they should also respect other people’s rights.
This is a caution I am going as; we are not going to allow anybody to peddle division whether in the political arena or anywhere because we are risking the country in the name of freedom ,” he said.
“As chairman for human rights and chairman for legal and governance at parliament myself, I want to issue a strong warning that people should not ride the name of human rights to divide the people of Zambia,” Mr Andeleki said.
He explained,” You know the law allows an arrest on any offender and we should not use freedom of expression to divide the country. Whoever is involved should stop it because we have laws in this country. As a lawyer myself, the penal code has made very clear provisions patterning people who peddle tribalism.”
He said offenders should not accuse the UPND government of trying to use police on governance issues to try and intimidate them but should know that the law is there.
The Katombora lawmaker said that tribalism should not be used as a basis or platform for anything because it is bad vice.
“The President must be given befitting dignity and respect befitting the office of the President and not the name of Hakainde Hichilema. Hakainde Hichilema is just the person in that office but his office requires respect,” he said.
