By Kalobwe Bwalya
I HAVE refused to have blood on my head by propagating hate speech which can trigger political upheavals which opposition political parties are advancing because Zambia belongs to us all regardless of where we come from, UPND national youth chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has said.
In an interview, Mr. Liswaniso said it was sad that despite being rejected by the people of Zambia during the 2021 general elections, the Patriotic Front (PF) had remained violent and that to propagate its evil schemes, it was now purposefully creating anarchy in the country.
He observed that the PF still wanted to continue playing politics of hatred and violence because it was in their blood to harm people but said the UPND would not take part in any political violence activities because such violence was against the laws of Zambia.
He disclosed that he would not take any revenge over what the PF did to UPND members while in opposition, but that the law would take its course to ensure that violence was eradicated.
He added that instead, his position in the party required him to mobilize the members of the party and to speak against any illegalities in the country.
However, he said it was the duty of every Zambian to give constructive checks and balances to the Government of the day without any offence.
“I have refused to have blood on my hands and I will not harm anyone because violence is not in me. Despite what we went through before we formed the Government where innocent people were beaten and others died, I would like to warn UPND supporters not to engage in political violence as they will be doing that on their own and do not have any blessings from the party,” Mr. Liswaniso said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Liswaniso said the statement which the former Head of State Edgar Lungu issued in which he said he would be frustrating those in the Government was unfortunate.
The chairman recalled that when PF took power in 2011, some members of MMD lost their properties while others were ambushed.
“It is the job of the opposition political parties to give guidance to the Government in power and not to incite people to rise against the Government. PF have a right to do so, but should be mindful not to issue statements that would put this country in the mess. The Government will not watch some politicians trying to bring disunity and division in the country,” he said.