HUMAN Rights Defender and Political Analyst Ngande Mwanajiti has reacted crossly to former President Edgar Lungu’s statement that Zambians will rise against President Hakainde Hichilema, saying such utterances were dangerous and reckless.
In an interview with The Scoop, Mr. Mwanajiti observed that it had become fashionable for politicians to make extremely irresponsible statements and engage in actions which did nothing but undermine the rule of law
He said the media must help to uphold the rule of law and not allow utterances that sought to destroy the unity of Zambia while hiding in noble rights of association and freedom of speech.
“In the case of President Lungu, he is concerned that Zambians will rise up and shorten the presidency of President Hichilema. If anything, President Lungu and Archbishop Mpundu are speaking the same language which instils fear in Zambians. This is clearly unfortunate and terribly irresponsible,” Mr. Mwanajiti said.
The former AFRONET Executive Director added:” I respect individual opinions but not dangerous and reckless statement coming from a former president who once was tasked with ensuring the maintenance of the rule of law.”
He said Mr. Lungu was expected to build bridges and not walls between him and President Hichilema.
“Clearly, some kind of advice is dangerous and must be frowned up. We all know why Mr. Raphael Nakacinda (PF Secretary General) is facing the law. I cannot comment further, suffice to state that nobody; whether President Hichilema or President Lungu is above the law, civility, and the peace the country cherishes so much,” he said.
He said politicians must be aware that Zambia was bigger and larger than any church, political party, and or media house.
