By MUBITA KATETE
INDIVIDUALS fabricating and spreading false allegations and damaging the reputations of public figures, especially high-ranking UPND and government officials should know that they will be arrested and legally prosecuted, Obvious Mwaliteta has warned.
Mr Mwaliteta, the Lusaka Province Minister who is also UPND Lusaka Province chairperson says leaders should remain focused on delivering development and improving people’s lives instead of being distracted by political controversies and negative narratives.
“Those who deliberately spread falsehoods and damage reputations should not be surprised when the law visits them,” he said.
He said the people expected tangible development and improved public services from their leaders, adding that Lusaka needed infrastructure upgrades and better services befitting its status as the country’s capital.
Mr Mwaliteta also said Kafue West required meaningful development to improve the livelihoods of residents.
“This time around, we shall not allow ourselves to be distracted by every negative narrative,” he said.
Mr Mwaliteta stressed that development should be visible and felt by citizens rather than remain a subject of political debate.
He cautioned those deliberately spreading misinformation and making misleading statements about public figures against assuming they would escape accountability.
Mr Mwaliteta further urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism, accuracy and integrity in their reporting, warning that misinformation and irresponsible journalism could fuel divisions and undermine national peace and stability.
“Journalism carries a great responsibility and that responsibility must be exercised with integrity, professionalism and a commitment to the truth,” he said.
He maintained that his priority remained fulfilling the mandate entrusted to leaders by the people through development and improved service delivery.
“Our focus remains clear; delivering on our mandate, driving development and improving the lives of the people we serve,” Mr Mwaliteta said.
ENDS
Nation Reporter
