NGOCC Urged to Join Campaign for President Hichilema – Mweetwa

Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has called on the Non-Governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) to set aside their current activities and join University of Zambia (UNZA) students in campaigning for President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of next year’s general election.

Mr. Mweetwa said President Hichilema has demonstrated commitment to addressing the leadership concerns of women and youths by enacting Bill 7 into law, a development he noted will increase the participation of women and young people in decision-making processes.

“That NGOCC should leave what they are doing and join the campaign, join Commander Kwishiba, join the students in campaigning for President HH, because he is a man who has not come for politics but missionary work,” Mr. Mweetwa said.

Appearing on a tv  Interview, the Chief Government Spokesperson, who is also Minister of Information and Media, stated that the UPND was fully prepared for the upcoming general election and expressed confidence that President Hichilema would secure a stronger landslide victory.

“If elections were called tomorrow, President HH is going to win, I think with a landslide bigger than the last one,” he said.

Mr. Mweetwa further stated that the country requires a stronger opposition to provide effective checks and balances to the current administration.

Meanwhile, the minister said the government would not entertain calls for by-elections, as suggested by PF faction president Given Lubinda following the expulsion of some Members of Parliament.

He explained that the affected MPs had not broken any law and that, in his capacity as Chief Government Spokesperson, he was obligated to defend the National Assembly.

“We are not going to any by-elections. We are a government of laws, not a government of men and women. Those emotional utterances by Given Lubinda are mere political air. Those expulsions are null and void. It was a sheer waste of time. It was simple politicking,” he said.

Mr. Mweetwa added that his role required him to protect all arms of government when they are under threat.

“I’m Chief Government Spokesperson for the Republic of Zambia. I’m also a minister. Those are two positions. What is government? Government is Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary. So when Parliament is being interfered with, it is my duty as Chief Government Spokesperson to come to the defense of one of the arms of government. There is nothing like interfering with PF,” he said.