NKOYAS CLOBBERED AT THE UPA NGOMA CEREMONY

By Kalobwe Bwalya

THE Government should protect all the citizens regardless of their tribe and ensure all the people feel equal, Nkoya Royal Council (NRC) chairperson David Tamboka has said.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Tamboka said what had happened last week during what he termed an un-gazetted traditional ceremony known as ‘Upa ngoma’ in Kaoma district of Western Province where some people were openly denouncing some people, based on tribe, was unfortunate.

He said it was wrong for the Government to allow an un-gazetted ceremony to take place, saying there must be no double standard to avoid an impression of favours against others.

He alleged that during the ceremony which was not even on the Government calendar, Nkoyas were beaten in the ensuing confusion but that up to now, nothing had been done.

“As Nkoya Royal Council, we are calling upon President Hakainde Hichilema being the father of the nation to protect each and every citizen of Zambia and the Government should take the role in ensuring that people’s lives are protected and are safe,” Mr. Tamboka said.

And Mr. Tamboka stated that the Government should also take an active role and start denouncing people who have continuously championed tribal talks as it was a recipe of anarchy.

Mr. Tamboka observed that the country was slowly dividing because some politicians wanted to champion their tribal talks just to gain political mileage.

He observed that if that was not stopped immediately, confusion and anarchy would slowly take its place and that this would bring confusion among innocent citizens.

He advised the Government not to take a silent step, but to ensure that anyone promoting tribal talks be arrested and questioned for promoting hate speech.

“It is sad that some politicians have continuously taken tribal talks publicly in order to gain their political mileage which is wrong. Therefore, the Government should not hesitate to question and arrest anyone promoting division in the country.