Let’s accord ECL decency, dignity – Nkandu

By NATION REPORTER

THE UPND has called for unity and dignity in morning and the eventual send-off of the country’s sixth President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, advising that political differences should not cloud the funeral of the former head of State in recognition of his service when he governed the country for seven years.

Mr Nkandu, the UPND deputy spokesperson said it was inappropriate for anyone to even entertain the idea that former President Lungu could be buried outside the country, insisting that Zambia should honour its own traditions and decisions on state funerals.

“President Lungu deserves a good send-off. He was our head of State for seven years. We may have had our political differences, but now is the time to focus on national unity and respect,” Mr Nkandu said in an interview.

He said former Presidents were typically buried at the presidential burial site opposite Cabinet Office in Lusaka, and the same should apply to Mr Lungu, stressing that this was a practice Zambians had already embraced as part of their national culture.

“I don’t expect that we should derail from the culture that we have adopted ourselves. Every President who has died has been buried in a place agreed upon by government and the citizens. We must follow what we’ve been doing, and not bury President Lungu anywhere else,” Mr Nkandu said.

He recalled how, when founding President Kenneth Kaunda died, there were also attempts to debate his final resting place, but President Lungu, then in office, had provided leadership by insisting on continuity and national consensus.

“What we want to see is that same level of consistency. Regardless of our differences, we must honour President Lungu in the same manner we honoured others,” he said.

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Addressing speculation surrounding government’s court application regarding the return of Mr Lungu’s remains, Mr Nkandu declined to comment directly on the legal matter, saying it was best handled by the government spokesperson or Attorney General.

However, speaking from both his party and personal capacity, he urged the nation to respect the mourning period.

“In our tradition, when someone dies – even in the village – we don’t start dissecting their life immediately. That can only happen after the funeral. So, those with issues or opinions should wait until the mourning is complete,” Mr Nkandu said.

He also encouraged Zambians to remember the late President not only for his political legacy, but also for the good things he may have done in office.

“This is a time for mourning and reflection. After the burial, people can talk. But right now, we must come together as a nation.”

Mr Lungu died while in South Africa last month, and the question of his burial site has since stirred public debate and legal proceedings.

But according to Mr Nkandu, the path forward must be guided by unity, respect and national values.