M’MEMBE’S LEADERSHIP IS HEARTLESS, SAYS PARTY OFFICIAL AFTER DEFECTING

By Kalobwe Bwalya

THE Socialist Party (SP) led by Fred M’membe is very heartless and dictatorial and this is the reason I have defected and joined the ruling party, former Luangwa District SP Chairperson Christopher Njobvu has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Njovu said he had defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) because President Hakainde Hichilema was a leader with a big heart and willing to embrace everyone willing to work with him in developing Zambia.

He described the top leadership of the Socialist Party as heartless and highly dictatorial and that he could not continue working with the party that did not accommodate divergent views.

He said the good works of President Hichilema could not be ignored in the district citing the maternity wing at Kaunga area and projects such as new teacher’s houses, classroom blocks and water reticulation systems all done using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He encouraged the people of Luangwa District not to remain behind but work with the ruling party since it had proved to have a heart for the district and Zambia as a whole. 

He added that he did not regret leaving the party because it was full of confusion and mediocrity adding that he had decided to work with the UPND which listened to the people’s cry and that people were now appreciating its good policies.

“I have decided to join UPND because of its good policies and I have respect for the Zambian people unlike the other political parties where leaders do not respect people. They should be left alone because they do not mean well to the people of Zambia,” Mr. Njobvu said.

But SP Media Director Brian Hapunda said Mr. Njobvu was not a factor in the party and that he was among other members that had been bringing confusion and promoting anarchy in the party.

Mr. Hapunda said Mr. Njobvu’s defection did not come as a surprise adding that it was his constitutional right to belong to any political party of his choice as the party was not shaken at all.

He said SP was a party with good morals and embraced everyone contrary to the allegation from Mr. Njobvu.

“He was not a factor in the Socialist Party and as a party, we are not surprised at all because he was not active despite being a chairperson for Luangwa District,” Mr. Hapunda said.