Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has denied claims by President Edgar Lungu that an opposition leader plans to use him as an emissary to arrange for meeting with him at night to discuss pressing national issues.
Over the weekend during campaigns in Chilanga, President Lungu claimed that Dr. Mwaanga has been asked to arrange a Kenya style meeting with unnamed opposition politician strongly believed to be Hakainde Hichilema.
But in a statement, Dr Mwaanga said he no one has apprehend me to arrange a meeting with President Lungu.
“My attention has been drawn to remarks made yesterday at a PF campaign rally in Chilanga by President Edgar C Lungu, to the effect that i had been approached by an unnamed opposition party leader, to arrange a night meeting with him at State House. I wish to category state that no opposition party leader has ever approached me to arrange a meeting with President Lungu at night or at any other time of da,” Dr Mwaanga said.
“It has been my wish, which i expressed directly to President Lungu when, i met him last year to appeal to him to release UPND President, Hakainde Hichilema from prison and have dialogue, that the two men should have dialogue, without pre-conditions by both sides,” he said.
“My colleagues in the MMD will vouch for me that I have always been a passionate advocate of dialogue since 1990, because it is better than confrontation,” he said.
“I issued a public statement a few days ago praising the Kenyan Leaders President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga for embracing the spirit of dialogue and putting the interests of their country and people first. I expressed the hope that our leaders would take a leaf from those wise and mature Kenyan politicians and do the same.”
He said, “ Iam totally unapologetic about this, because i believe deep down in my heart and soul, that it is the right thing to do. The truth benders who are enemies of peace and progress, have yet again misinformed the President.”
Dr Mwaanga said it is disappointing that some of the President’s informants do not understand the value of political dialogue in the 21st century and the salutary effects it brings to countries and the world.
“If this is the way they treat dialogue, then i fear that our politics have not yet reached the level of Kenya and it may be helpful for them to take a few more lessons from President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga. In the name of God, please stop misinforming the President of our country.”
LT it’s Mr Mwaanga and not Dr. The higher qualifications authority provided guidance on the use of honorary Doctorates.
But President Lungu didn’t mention the name he just said a named veteran so why is the self confessed drug Lord saying it’s him kikiki is he the only veteran around
But President Lungu was drunk when he made this statement, so we can ignore him.
In fact, president Lungu is always drunk.
Let us ignore him in 2021.
Mwaanga is on the right side of posterity, assuming he was organizing such a meeting, though he has refused, he is still okay and it is right to encourage dialogue. A very progressive Zambian, he is very helpful to the growth of democratic dispensation. He should not be labelled a devil for which ever party he has chosen to support
I don’t see anything beneficial about pleading to a man who allows so much scandalous behavior in society.
I think Zambians should consider dialogue with Inonge. Why is she still helping Edgar?
Fwanya, he mentioned VJ. He just didnt mention HH. Its only yesterday, you have forgotten already?
Mwaanga is talking sense and as usual enemies of peace are attacking him and bringing in irrelevancies. School and good parentage – very important. That’s what lacked in some postings here
VJ has always been consistent about dialogue, he’s one of the very few open minded politicians. It’s like he never grew up in the same house as Munkombwe, he’s very different. VJ accommodates everyone irrespective of status in society. He is somebody you feel like talking to. He’s a jolly good fela
VJ, please retire! All your colleagues in the UNIP era are either long gone or are busy naturing the their great grand children. Whats your problem? Bushe until twamishika? Please!!!!!!!
This still there. What are you talking about?
RB is around and still causing more problems than VJ ever did.
Any meeting with a chronic loser is just a waste of time. He should just go away! Very far away!
VJ is one of the honest Politicians whose word I can trust.
Words of wisdom from VJ, Statesmanlike.
Weak leaders are very scared of their opponents. Anyway both of them have dictatorial gines.
ECL really embarrassed the country on this score. Honestly, how do you cast in bad light something that is clearly good?! Anyway, dialogue and national building is not for the faint hearted like ECL.
#6&7 The Chosen one, you are same tribe with VJ obviously?
Mr Mwaanga is tonga just like Kainde so he must be ignored.Moreover,Mwaanga has accepted having spoken to ECL directly.So it is true that VJ has been begging ECL to meet Kalusa Kainde!!BUT FOR WHAT?Now HH thinks that an alliance with Kambwili could win him the presidency,never!!HH HAS BEEN IN SEVERAL ALLIANCES SINCE 2006 BUT STILL LOST EVERY ELECTION!!!WITH OR WITHOUT KAMBWILI,KAINDE WILL LOSE IN 2021!!!
Since when did he admit wrong doing? Not when he was sent by Mwanawasa to Congo DR, and not when he was implicated in drugs etc.
To quote upnd cadres on LT, there is no smoke without fire, so Mr Mwaanga must be reacting to something tangible. Caught with a finger in the pie.
The tribe he comes from makes people to misunderstand him especially that he supported and campaigned for his tribes man I don’t see logic in what he says. He is not the right person to call for such an arrangement.