President Edgar Lungu President has released Five Hundred and Two (502)convicted prisoners on the occasion to commemorate Christmas Day which falls on 25th December, 2015.
In a statement released to the media by State House, President Lungu in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy pursuant to Article 59 (d) of the Constitution of Zambia, CAP 1 of the Laws of Zambia has signed the Order of Release.
The pardoned inmates who include two prisoners aged 75 and 83 are serving various jail sentences at different prisons across the country.
The President’s special amnesty has been extended to various prisons in all the country’s 10 provinces as follows:
(1) Central 72
(2) Copperbelt 151
(3) Lusaka 19
(4) Southern 42
(5) North Western 29
(6) Northern 44
(7) Muchinga 24
(8) Western 17
(9) Luapula 35
(10) Eastern 69
“On the occasion of the celebration of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, I have decided to extend a hand of mercy and compassion to our dear friends facing different jail sentences in various prisons countrywide in order to avail them an opportunity to reform and return to normal society.”
“It is my sincere hope that the recipients of this pardon will do their very best to contribute to society positively, as a way of paying back for the mercy that society has shown to them.”
Meanwhile, the President has called on the people of Zambia to find time to spend with their families and if they can to extend their help to the needy in society.
“On this occasion, I want to urge all citizens to join me in reflecting on the meaning of life as individuals and collectively as a nation in the collective spirit of promoting our cherished One Zambia One Nation motto which knows no tribal barriers, no religious divide and indeed no other divisive tendencies.”
“It is time to ensure that as we celebrate the birth and life of our Saviour Jesus Christ, we do so responsibly, caring for one another, respecting one another and importantly those who have, extending their hand of assistance to those who don’t have.”
“There can be no greater good than aspiring for virtues that helps each one of us to become better citizens. Take every opportunity, every situation and make it better.”
“This is the meaning of our faith as Christians and indeed our collective declaration that we are a Christian nation,” the President said.
“I want the nation to know, the year 2015 which is coming to pass has had its own challenges and opportunities. Let us expand on the opportunities and learn to live as one nation, united as one Christian family. As a fellow believer in the Christian faith, I beseech you to stay home with your family, share whatever little you have with family and neighbours and above all thank God for just being alive this day.”
“Nothing beats the gift of life, which we are all enjoying. Challenges in our lives are abound but let us remember the scripture John 3 Vs 16 which states: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.’’
“Let us also learn from the wisdom of Romans 6:23 which states that: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“Fellow citizens of this God fearing nation, may the Good Lord fill your hearts with all the joy and peace, believing that the power of the Holy Spirit may fill you with immense hope. Please desist from over indulging in festivities. We all must go through this festive season, refreshed and ready to continue on our onerous task of nation building,” the President said.
LOVELY. SURELY SUCH A STATEMENT IS FAIR.
Why so many on copper belt, is to add to campaign team or CB is just topping with bakabolala?
This time there is no former minister or PF musicians.
let him spend time at state house not going to all Annual Balls which the minister of defence can officiate. Tradition is head of state attends Army ball but for him everything is campigning no wonder signing a bill has to be done at Heros statidium. God hear our prayers give us a leader who cares abt its people not his réélection and hides behind your name.
Where is Jay Jay to read this what he calls fiction about Jesus.
Especially when Edgar pickup the cheapest verse John:3.
Amen sir, May the Lord sustain you and give you victory through out even in 2016. May you receive landslide victory in Jesus’ Name
And when are you freeing the murderer Mohan ???
I read the president has released 500 Mega Watts of electricity. Merry Christmas.
Nice speech Mr President. Its nice to hear you say that the wages of sin is death and the gift of life is Christ. I hope you don’t give blessings to PF cadres on their attacks on fellow humans because the Bible states that he who knows to do good and chooses to do bad will be held accountable for his deeds. Anyway merry Christmas to you too.
I don’t mind the pardoning, as long as its the poor deserving prisoners, who’ve repented, shown real remorse, & are ready to be re- integrated back into the community.
Problem comes when the pardoning is for political selfish gain.
Before P.F cadres jump on their high horses, & call me “bitter” which is their choice word, & only one they know, President Chagwa is making headlines globally for all the wrong reasons, pardoning his old dancing & drinking comrade, Kanene, while Zambia turns into a laughing stock, due to Chagwa’s poor vision, & judgment.
Shame!!!
If you dont forgive GOD will not do so’, prerogative of mercy . Merry chrismas all.
I wish he had gone further to pardon those men from western province at Mukobeko facing treason charges.
151 prisoners released on the Copperbelt which is a PF/and formerly MMD stronghold.Not surprising.They have to remain in power at all costs.However,many Zambians are opening their eyes and seeing the truth.2016 will indeed be a year of change.