The United Party for National Development Management Committee has given Deputy National Youth Chairperson, Stephen Chikota, a 14 day ultimatum to exculpate himself over alleged gross misconduct.
The ultimatum was issued following a video circulating on social media in which Mr. Chikota and his colleague Mutale Mukuka, while in custody, issued tribal remarks that were contrary to the standing of the party in power. Additionally, the two also issued scandalous remarks against the party.
UPND Secretary General, Batuke Imenda, in his letter addressed to Mr. Chikota, stated that his actions are contrary to the party regulations and are not befitting of him as a senior party official who ought to know that the UPND came into power under the umbrella of unity and love. Mr. Imenda further emphasized that all tribes in Zambia are equal and that the mandate of the party is to reunite the country and restore order.
Meanwhile, Mr. Imenda stated that the party has nothing to do with criminal matters relating to party members and will allow the law to take its course. He also emphasized that the party will not hesitate to take action against any member who exposes the name of the party into disrepute.
Party President Hakainde Hichilema, who is also the Republican President, has reiterated that the party will promote the rule of law at all times and has constantly appealed to party members to ensure that they conduct themselves in a manner that reunites the country.
In other news, Zambia has been selected to co-host the second Summit for Democracy on March 29-30, 2023, in Lusaka. The summit will assemble world leaders with representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector. Of particular interest in enhancing Zambia’s democracy is the abolition of the criminal defamation of the President which has given citizens freedom of expression, of course in a responsible manner as well as the abolishing of the cruel death penalty.
The Zambian Summit will build on the Summit for Democracy held in December 2021; this meeting will highlight how democracies deliver for their citizens and are best equipped to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Together, world leaders will showcase progress made by summit partners on commitments during the year of Action, and will organize collective action to address emerging challenges to democracy.
As the party in government, the UPND will champion a vision of the world that is grounded in democratic values, transparent, responsive and accountable governance, rule of law and respect for human rights. With this point, Zambia with the United States and its allies, is committed to leading the world towards leading a more peaceful, prosperous future for all.
For President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government, no matter how challenging the problems they face, they know that democracy remains the best tool to unleash human potential.
Why dont we hear more of such policy statements by UPND and even the opposition? Zambian politics at present is full of tribally divisive statements. Other parties are deliberately silent about tribal actions that they can obviously see. Imenda must be commended because even his president doesn’t make such statements
“Mr. Imenda further emphasized that all tribes in Zambia are equal and that the mandate of the party is to reunite the country and restore order.”
I usually wonder whether Batuke Imenda has a brain or not. It seems he doesn’t, just many UPND officials and supporters. What I expected Batuke to address is the serious allegation that suspects from one region were quickly released from custody. And that a senior police officer from the same region that was involved in the same criminality was conspicuously transferred instead of being made to account. These allegations won’t just disappear and we’ll take note of how the tribal party will address them. If indeed what Chikota alleged is true then how does that constitute tribal remarks in Batuke’s small brain?
It means that the police and others were innocent for them to be released.
Top news is more important than bottom news? Please, let us get our priorities right.
Just analyze the matter and get to the bottom of the matter.This is a serious matter which needs urgent solution.Quickly address this matter before it goes out of the hand.Why sacriface the less privaledge and leave the culprits,very shameful to see such acts.