By ROGERS KALERO
THE ruling party should not allow its cadres to be insulting former President Edgar Lungu when he handed over power peacefully after losing the August 12 elections, an Eastern Province-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has said.
Anzelu Eastern Development Foundation Chairman General Kelvin Chulu said the continuous harassment and persecution of those close to the former republican president was also a clear indication that the UPND government was after him, hence the subtle moves to lift his immunity.
In an interview in Kitwe, Mr Chulu said the failure by the UPND leadership to condemn the barbaric and disrespectful behaviour of its cadres towards the former republican President was a clear indication that the leadership of the ruling party was in support of its cadres conduct.
Mr Chulu said it was disappointing that UPND cadres could insult and make fun of Mr Lungu who had performed well and handed over power in a peaceful manner.
We are not happy, we are disappointed that the UPND has allowed its cadres to be insulting the former republican President who performed well and handed over power peacefully after the August 12 elections.
“Yes, it is disappointing because the UPND leadership has not condemned the disrespectful behaviour of its cadres. So if the leadership has not condemned the conduct of some of its cadres, it means they are in support of such behaviour,” Mr Chulu said
He said, as an organisation, they were echoing the words of Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni people in Eastern province not to torture former President Lungu who worked so much for the country.
He also said the organisation was equally saddened that there were moves to remove or lift the immunity of Mr Lungu by the UPND government.
“We feel there is no need to insult Mr Lungu despite the mistakes he might have made because every individual makes mistakes. As an NGO, we are not happy with the way things are going where the former President is being insulted and those close to him are being persecuted,” he said.
