ACTING President Edgar Lungu says those attacking President Sata’s speech during the official opening of the Fourth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly on Friday are free to express their opinion on the matter.
Mr Lungu, who is Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice, says the President is free to choose the time to spend on presenting his speech.
“It is his time, what is wrong with that? If he wanted, he could have just declared Parliament open, laid the speech on the table and walked out. Each one has his own style of doing things and traditions and practices are not cast in concrete.
“Why should people insist that he should do things like his predecessors did? The speech is there and we will debate it. So what’s wrong with that really? If he talked too long people were going to accuse him of being talkative,” Mr Lungu told journalists in Lusaka yesterday.
He said Government will take on board MMD president Nevers Mumba’s sentiments that President Sata should be allowed to take a rest from strenuous activities.
“If they are worthy, they will be considered. Zambia is a democracy, people are free to air their opinions…I am not a doctor, I am just a politician and people can talk, they are allowed to talk. Mr Nevers Mumba has spoken, we have heard and another one will speak contrary to that. Thank you for his opinion,” he said.
The PF secretary-general dismissed assertions by some sections of society that the PF government is forcing Mr Sata to perform his Presidential duties.
“Let’s not go into the realm of speculation. All of us have people we live with, who we listen to, and who guide us on access to medication…so I don’t want to go into the realm of speculation and take it upon myself to be the most concerned about the President or any other person for that matter.
“Let him [Dr Mumba]not be holier than others in this matter because his role and my role are different. Probably I may be or I may not be the best person to advise the President…so why should I take it upon myself to be the keeper of my brother?” he said.
And Mr Lungu has maintained that his predecessor, Wynter Kabimba, whose name appeared as still a nominated MP in Friday’s programme for the official opening of Parliament, is no longer part of the House.
“When I was appointed Minister of Justice, it automatically meant that my colleague, who hitherto was Minister of Justice, had his appointment [as nominated MP] revoked… so which ministry is that name representing? For practical reality the man is out of Parliament,” he said.
If you have never been sick and will never be in your life, throw the first stone at President Sata!
Mr Lungu sounds presidential actually, unlike the likes of Kabimba, Kapeya, late Sakeni who saw everything everybody said as a fight and wanted to fight everything , everybody and everywhere. This is some breath of fresh air from PF
1. The speech was just OK manje….
2. The guy reading it was VERY SICK and scared us half to death
3. Mushota & Saulosi are blind as bats
4. Eddie Lungu seems very humble and is not arrogant which is very good.
5. Kaseba and her hubby’s relatives are VERY IRRESPONSIBLE and ought to be ashamed of themselves.
6. Thanks.
I don’t like Lungu. Not defending me Sata
is blasphemy.
He has started very shakily for liking
I hope the job at hand is not too big big for
Him
Like all of you I miss WK
Thanks
Always wondered what HEMCS saw in Edgar but I can see.. very intresting response He gave…
@Numbian Princess??? SATA is swallowing his own puke and throwing a stone at himself?? You remember how he humiliated Mwanawasa?? Let him also go through it. He should repent and ask for forgiveness from Maureen. He Harassed Mwanawasa even in his death. So time for him to respect sickness and human well-being. He should just step down?? He is not the only Zambian. We have many leaders and want to move on as a country. I respect SATA but Based on Medical and age conditions?? The Man should just Rest than Embarrass Zambians.
Nope, Lungu is still lying and pertuating the same lie albeit in a nicer, calmer way. A lie is a lie and if he was really presidential material he would choose to tell the truth. I’m not buying it.
I have started liking this Lungu guy. I wouldn’t mind him as our next president after Sata leaves office in 2021. Very wise words right there
At last we have somebody sensible from the PF. I hope they will give him a chance lead the party, he sounds reasonable so far. I am ready to support him if he continues along this path.
I have always said Lungu is level-headed and I quite like him. I saw potential in him when he last acted as president and reversed some stup!d retrogressive ban of something imposed by one of these over zealous ministers. He has a semblance of objectivity. It is just unfortunate that he may have to tow the party line which will mean obviously giving dumb statements that he also does not believe in. Otherwise, I like him.
If heavens forbid PF won another term in office, this is the guy I would like to see in State house.
He is intelligent and sounds to be very sober in his mind, long live Lungu
Numbian Prince let me remind you that Zambia is not a chiefdom .Its a required that any Government officer who is terminally ill and the health board has proved beyond any doubt that such an officer is incapacitated can be put on retirement on health grounds.This does not exclude a siting president.Its not about Sata or PF.Its about Zambia getting the best service from a leader who is fit to discharge his or her duties.If civil servants have been put on retirement due to illness what about Sata.Is he ireplace able just because he is Bemba ,chalo chesu.
Awe sure these PF? How can Edgar win over HH?
Edgar Lungu is right on this one. The man has wisdom and he is intelligent at least.
I think I must have some vision about him in this government, hey I mean leadership qualities that he has.
God bless Zambia
well said,democracy is to allow people air their opinion but who r u to advise Mr Mwango?as a matter of policy,lungu enjoy the presidency for now.i am content with the speech,and sverything the president said.
President Sata made the right decision to replace Wk with Edgar Lungu. The way he is handling issues in PF, government and also the way he is responding to pressure from the opposition is very encouraging. This is the most likely person to succeed Sata.Those who have been calling him a drunkard should be reminded that President Obama was once a drunkard and an addicted smoker.But look at Obama today . Edgar Lungu you are on the right path, unite your party and I can assure you that plot one is your next destination, even ba Sata knows that and he is very proud of you.
A fairly Simple, eloquent, expressive, sensitive, meaningful, revealing answer indicative of a man at the helm of Zambian politics.
If Hon. Lungu is, as you say “…a man at the helm of Zambian politics…”. what has happened to his predecessor and by whom and when he was elected to be at “…the helm…”?
You are now the acting President of Zed,,Acting Justice Minister,Defense Minister and Secretary General of PF.This is total greediness .Couldn’t you have convinced your boss to appoint others so that they can also enjoy the cake.3 salaries muntu umozi?kwena thia can only happen pa Zed!
The Acting President says,
“Let Mr TB Mumbwe not be holier than others in this matter because his role and my role are different. I am a politician whereas he is prophet”. he said
1. Acting President
2. Minister of Defence
3. Minister of Justice
4. PF Secretary General
5. Deputy Chief Whip
6. Member of Central Committee
7. Chairman PF Disciplinary Committee
8 Member of Parliament for Chawama
9. President of Political Parties in Africa
Nine salaries for Edgar, twanwa nalelo. I hope you dont finish all the beers and women in Lusaka
And all those appointments in the “interests” of the development of democracy in Zambia
what do you expect in a country where there are more NGOs and political parties than manufacturing and processing industries? talking so let them talk untill when we shall have more industries than NGOs
Yes, a breath of fresh air from Mr Lungu.
Kudos and Gen should learn from Hon. Lungu that you do not have to insult, ridicule, mock, challenge and threaten opposition party leaders and others for expressing views contrary or attacking the party and leadership in power. No.
Hon. Lungu has scored a first for me. Like that, Zambians can mingle without worrying which party the next person belongs to. That is civilisation.
As for holding many posts, that is not Hon. Lungu’s making. That is the President’s making. That is his style. Coming from UNIP where power was centralised, crystalised and concentrated in one KK, our President could not have remained immune from that style of administration.
How can you reconcile been not immune from one party KK administration with his current CONSTITUTIONAL obligation as to the fundamental rights, rule of law and democratic principles?
Let me say this…… , Lungu is a great leader indeed and cannot even be compared to your devisive regionalist (if there’s such a word), tribalist and racist, (HH). Like HEMCS, I am a patriot. My pledge to this land comes first above all else. My pledge to the Commander in Chief, Michael Chilufya Sata should not confuse a reasonable citizen, patriotic to Zambia. Why do you think the US is so great? It’s because each and every citizen has the innate belief that their is no other nation greater. This is the patriotism that Michael Sata wants to inculcate in all of us. Now for you, an armchair critic seated in Canada as your flag indicates, a mere couch potato, a Bantu-stan, these concepts may be hard for you to grasp. Please, (HH) is a dangerous seed, a merchant of Lucifer. Sata is Love.
Let me say this……, Lungu is a great leader indeed unlike your spiteful, divisive regionalist (if there’s such a word), trybalist and racist, (HH). Like HEMCS, I am a patriot. My pledge to this land comes first above all else. My pledge to the Commander in Chief, Michael Chilufya Sata should not confuse a reasonable citizen, patriotic to Zambia. Why do you think the US is so great? It’s because each and every citizen has the innate belief that there is no other nation greater. This is the patriotism that Michael Sata wants to inculcate in all of us. Now for you, an armchair critic seated in Canada as your flag indicates, a mere couch potato, a native, a Bantu-stan, these concepts may be hard to grasp. Know this, (HH) is a dangerous seed, a merchant of Lucifer. God is Love. Sata is…
@kudos, you are the most intellectually impotent person on this blog. Saulosi and Mushota are just sarcastic but they have a bit of gray matter. Your head is just full of envy and hate for HH. Just work hard, may be one day you can be as successful
I think Hon Lungu is a very balanced and accomodating person and for this very answer and the past interviews i have seen or heard, he is a mature man and i salute MCS for appointing him SG
Kudos desist from attacking HH from without .He has not spoken about Sata’s sickness.He was not there when Satan was busy Bocking all those whores he was grabing houses in Roads park.It was nevers Mumba who said Sata is tired and needs rest so pour your venom to Mumba and leave HH a lone.No amount of tribal tag will stop Zambians from seing HH’s Vision and we shall never give up just like sata can never give up when he was In the opposition.he did not say because iam standard 2 drop out let me not stand as president.HH is by far in terms of his ability to lead Zambia you can tell from his lifestyle and business capabilities.So its sad that you can reduce the lot of HH to a tribe.
APAKOMAILA NONDO PALI UBULEMA.
WE ARE ALL NOT HAPPY. H.E. MCS IS SICK AND WE SHOULD PRAY FOR HIM. PEOPLE AROUND HIM ARE TO BLAME AND IT SEEMS THEY ARE IRRESPONSIBLE. DON’T THINK YOU ARE FREE FROM WHATEVER WORSE THAT MAY HAPPEN IF IT HAPPENED ANYTIME BEFORE HIS TIME (GOD FORBID) BUT AM PRESUMING IF …
This is why PF is such a great Party in Government. With humble leaders like Acting President Lungu we are unstoppable. God bless Zambia.
This is the man who had case with LAZ? Did you embezzle a client’s money? And you call this a balanced person! Thieves dont cease to amaze me. No wonder most Zambians are thieves. Stealing has become infectious. From bembas to other tribes.
They say wise men come from the east,true compare and contrast with the family forest,his speech is embracive,.he is the only useful minister in pf govt that why mcs gave him all those portfolios.
please the saying is clear: They came from the east. Kulibe ba nzelu this time.
I dont find anything wrong with the speech. Why are people making fuss about the President’s speech? Wasn’t the message delivered?
If you did not had access to internet, what speech you will be referring?
@ 2020vision
If PF is a such great democratic party why must rely on one person to hold nine appointment?
Either Hon. Lungu is a superman with IQ in excess of 140 or the rest are well bellow IQ of 80?
Your CIVILIZED comment will be highly appreciated.
dear, politics know no IQ.. its about how much u can bring to the populacy of the party.
besides Edgar is OK, at least better than those nuts
Its not reasonable for an upnd cadre to complain about Mr Lungu numerous position proving to that fact that, not long ago people where complaining a big cabinet in H.E.MCS’S Regime.
The President is not wrong to entrust Edgar Lungu with such a huge reponsiblity it is as a result of his competence to lead our great Nation with prudence, each time he remains as an acting Head of State and loyal to his party, i advise you to find necessary arguements.
@ Mr President
If somebody has opinion which is contrary to yours, it means it must be upnd cadre?
1. Why “cadre” and not just another blogger who exercise his right of free speech and freedom of expression without using offensive language?
2. Why upnd (which I am NOT) and not pf (which I am NOT)? After all, pf is a democratic party and as such should democratically elect its office barres from its brighter, smarter and visionary members.
3. Unfortunately quantitative flood of “Deputy Ministers” has not be reciprocated with qualitative contribution to the current Government performance.
4. What is your interpretation of “H.E.MCS’S Regime” vs. “Government” and
5. You are wrong. In a democratic society, loyalty to the party MUST come AFTER loyalty to the…
5. You are wrong. In a democratic society, loyalty to the party MUST come AFTER loyalty to the Constitution. Have you heard about “Oath of Office”?
Very level headed responses to the haters Mr. Lungu, you are a good leader, well formed and molded by the King Cobra. Let the haters keep talking while we move them aside and keep working for our people. But I do hope you Sir and our boss Mr. HEMCS will bring back the toughest, corruption-hating PF member Wynter Kabimba, as Vice President. He’s a great leader for a nation. In terms of expulsion, I wouldn’t mind swapping him for Kambwili. The way he’s quiet at the farm, I know he has nothing to worry about as you’ve already had these discussions and we should see him bounce back soon.
I will send you official notes on this matter soon, Mr. Acting Pesident. FORWARD with the nation. Your greatest PF fan, Mr. Kudos.
@kudos comrade we belong to the same school of thought as PF comrades, I have also always thought Edgar Lungu to be one of the most reasonable minded in our pragmatic and ever energetic movement. Yes I believe Kabimba has indeed been disciplined, if he can apologize to HEMCS and show repentance as well as accept that varying opinions in PF do not make people enemies than by all means lets have him back on board but he must still be answerable for the DBZ case and defend himself in that affair, only then will he have a clean conscious and be accepted back. Bringing him back will show our opponents such as the ever hateful satanic tribal gathering of UPND that the PF is indeed mature and forgiving. As for Kambwili, if he too can become more humble, less material then lets forgive him too.
someone is doing a great job to mentor Edgar in etiquette, public mannerism and diplomacy..
i envy his political tone on the few issues he has had articulated these days..
go ba Eddy, u can do it..
I couldn’t put is any better. Accommodative response yet straight to the point. Like they say; “soft is strong”; and this comes either through experience or training as you have put it. For me, he has scored twice this month. His response on the Constitution was very good; to yield some pressure in the country; and that is leadership.
Just thinking what the response of Kabimba to Mumba would be if he was still the SG and CEO of PF. mamaamamaa
This is a govt working for its people. Soon Zambia will be the most prosperous nation on the continent of Africa. It’s the only country that has attracted virtually all the past living US presidents, celebrities, billionaires such as Bill Gates, the clergy etc. Under PF Zambia hosted a UN summit on Tourism. Under PF, Zambia lifted the AFCON trophy. Under PF new districts and provinces have created. Under PF new roads have been built and the old ones being worked on. Under PF Zambia and Botswana will be linked by an ultra modern bridge to ease trade and movements of people and goods. Under PF, an ultra modern international airport is being constructed. Under PF, there is renewed investor confidence in our rich mineral sector, Under PF there are more universities built. What else can I say
Excellent response His Excellence your honor the Acting President Edgar Lungu. He sounds more holier than Nevers Mumba & HH. I pit these two.
Ba Sata will give a speedch ku UN general assembly,imwe sure umusebanya kubena zambia.People will question why we allowed as sick person to travel,let alone represent us.Nanaka already mundeke.Limbi akapitita ku chipatala before he guves the speech.
It is only in Africa where criminals rise to high levels. Imagine a proved thief being your MD? Why was someone fired from LAZ ? I am scared for our national treasury.
REALLY, WHO SAYS THAT WHEN YOU ARE ON DEATH BED YOU CAN NOT SHARE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES IN YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND WHAT YOU WOULD YOU WISH THEM TO ACHIEVE IF YOUR WERE TO LIVE LONG!
All in all, tepid and circumspect. Lungu has all the fine qualities of a diplomat and cautious military man. He is generous to his political opponents (most of whom are like a pride of lions on a stake out; salivating and everything……..)!
I think we can title him Gentleman Lungu. His style is reassurely Presidential.
The nine roles he holds prove President Sata’s wiley wisdom. This is a military man, perfect defence. I call this the most polite military takeover of all times!
Every president in Africa, lives in fear of their military leader staging a coup or at least it is at the back of the mind, ‘prominently.’ But President Sata, confidently, delegates to Lungu! We are in very good hands with Edgar, he is capable of mobilising military support………….!
I qualify my statement: the way the opposition has broken all code of conduct, puts the country at the mercy of seditious activists. We need to ensure we have someone capable of mobilising military support ‘if’ needed.
@Mulenga no.7 that’s an hilarious observation. It’s tougher for you to compete! Hope he is getting those salaries!! He deserves them.
@Let me say this no.9, concur. We have in Lungu, a fresh take on our past and current turmoil.
@patriot, very well said..as always no one on this forum could have said it better than you sir.
Why thank as always @2020vision!
Ndelolesha fye.
Kudos,the tribalist is your Sata.Look at his government which is full of people from his region.HH has never been president before.Your president thinks Zambia is muchinga,northern and luapula.Hes so obsessed about these regions he needs a reality check in 2016..Like his friends at the post keep reminding us,he is presiding over the most corrupt and tribalistic government.Withiin 3years he has managed to divide the country on tribal lines…As for his praise singers at the post it had to take the firing of one WK for them to come to their senses.
According to me, Mr President is right, i conquer with him!!
Wow like Mr Lung.No wonder the president chose him to act.
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