BARNABAS ZULU
GIVEN Lubinda has challenged the State to explain to Zambians what it is that they want from the remains of late former President Edgar Lungu, wondering why there is too much determination even when the family has made it clear that they want to have a private burial.
The Zambian government has so far sued the Lungu family and the South African Government demanding for the release of the remains of former President Lungu so they could be repatriated and buried in Zambia.
Previously, several delegations, including those of former presidents in SADC, including the church, have been sent by the Hichilema-led administration to persuade the family to bring the body to Zambia, but all efforts have failed to yield the desired outcome
“As for me, I think the State should not use its might, its power over a bereaved family. The Lungu family are at their weakest, and for the State to be taking them to court, they are actually exacerbating the pain, anguish and misery—especially that this is being done by the man who stands at the pulpit and calls himself a Pastor,” Mr Lubinda said. “It is very sad that Kabesha Mulilo can be used to abuse the bereaved family to this extent.”
Mr Lubinda said what the family needs is compassion, not intimidation.
“What the Lungu family needs right now is compassion and solace, not that harassment and humiliation and exposure to huge financial costs. It is totally unheard of. We are turning ourselves into a laughing stock as a country because people outside and people inside are wondering—what is it in the body of Edgar Chagwa Lungu that the State can go to that extent of suing a widow, suing children? What is it that they are looking for?”
He said there is no law compelling a specific burial process for former presidents.
“The talk about this is practice, this is that—there is no law that prescribes how a former president can be buried. The family of Edgar Chagwa Lungu had agreed with the Zambian Government to bury him in Zambia on particular conditions which conditions were violated by the State. So, you can’t continue to push,” Mr Lubinda said. “Let the man rest. Let the body of Edgar rest. Let the family mourn and reduce their pain.”
