Tue, 08 Aug 2017 14:08:26 +0000
By Aaron Chiyanzo
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu should not succumb to international pressure aimed at forcing him to circumvent the course of justice by facilitating for the release of incarcerated leader Hakainde Hichilema, 3rd Liberation Movement (3rd LM) president Enoch Tonga has advised.
Mr Tonga noted that Mr Hichilema’s friends from other countries had decided to put pressure on the Head of State so that he is forced to release the UPND leader.
He pointed out that it would be unwise for the President to meddle in the work of the Judiciary by setting Mr Hichilema free.
Mr Tonga advised President Lungu not to succumb to international pressure by going against his work ethic.
He explained that President Lungu has always respected the rule of law and the separation of powers.
Mr Tonga said Mr Lungu should not entertain international pressure aimed at forcing him to over stretch his powers.
“President Lungu should be very wary of Mr Hichilema’s friends who are intentionally putting pressure on him so that he can release their friend. The only problem is that it will be tantamount to the executive meddling in the work of the Judiciary because the matter is in court,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Tonga also urged the President to be wary of the international diplomats who were trying to reconcile the two leaders.
He said that it was important to understand their true intentions, as it was questionable why some were having long discussions with the incarcerated UPND leader.
Mr Tonga wondered what the former Nigerian President Obasanjo was discussing with Mr Hichilema for more than two hours.
He said that in as much as the former Nigerian President portrayed good intentions, there was still need for President Lungu to understand his true intentions and be watchful.
“In as much as former President Obasanjo portrayed to have good intentions, President Lungu should not embrace every diplomat who comes in the name of a peacemaker. He should be very watchful,” said Mr Tonga.
