Statehouse has said that the story on Zambia Reports published this morning captioned “Lungu breathes fire on Catholics,” is simply false as neither the President nor his spokesperson have made any such statements anywhere.
In a press statement released to the media today, State House said that it has taken this unprecedented step to react to a false social media story published by the Zambia Reports, alleging that the President has threatened the Catholic Church in Zambia because a real possibility exists that the falsehood that has been published by Zambia Reports may be construed by the unsuspecting public to be the truth.
STATE HOUSE REFUTES ZAMBIA REPORTS FAKE STORY
LUSAKA, (Thursday, April 27, 2017)—— In the light of the poisoned media environment where unprofessional practices have become rampant, State House has taken this unprecedented step to react to a false social media story published by the Zambia Reports alleging that the President has threatened the Catholic Church in Zambia.
The story on Zambia Reports published this morning captioned “Lungu breathes fire on Catholics,” is simply false as neither the President nor his spokesperson have made any such statements anywhere.
The President has taken note of the Statement issued by Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu and will in due course engage with Church mother bodies to discuss any matter of national concern.
The President takes the view that he will speak to the Church, traditional rulers civil society and various other interest groups to discuss matters of national interest and would therefore not be breathing fire on anybody.
“Ordinarily it is not the culture of State House to respond to any social media stories however false, but given the fairly objective disposition Zambia Reports have shown over the years, a real possibility exists that the falsehood it has published today may be construed by the unsuspecting public to be the truth.”
“It is with considerable regret that State House has noted the rapid descent of the Zambia Reports into a virtue scandal sheet and platform for conveyance of falsehoods.”
State House wishes to urge Editors of Zambia Reports to exercise caution and take advantage of the open door policy of the Press Office to clarify any information regarding the Presidency before they publish.
“When parties, either public or private assert their rights to protect themselves against the reckless conduct by some media outlets and others, the same people resort to making scurrilous allegations that those defending themselves are being heavy handed.”
State House emphasises that words must have a meaning and every action must have consequences, and therefore every citizen has a duty to conduct themselves responsibly and realise that their rights are just as important as the rights of others.
“It is a shame that a fairly respected online newspaper has shown a steady decline in recent months and allowed itself to be used as a platform to communicate falsehoods, insults, hate speech and pursuit of narrow and personal political interest of either its owners or other special interests.
____________________________________________________________________________
Issued by:
AMOS CHANDA
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
(PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS)
STATE HOUSE
We know your president threatened the Catholic. We always have inside info. there no matter how hard you try to hide.
you are just another one rubbish like HH there is zicta mind you they will trace you and find you id!ot, then you start sayng that pf pf you slait sol with low life.
We also know that he’s a deeply tormented, insecure president who will stop at nothing to silence those are speaking against he’s corruption and incompetence.
@Poison, that zicta can go phuck themselves, or you.
The fake news is coming from UPND mouthpieces newspapers, and the ignorant whistle blowers among them from here
WHy any sane, intelligent person can support HH and his drama news is anything but ridiculous.
It is suicidal unforgivable and the lowest of the ebb.
Education is free people.
CHanda is right, HH should be tried and believe me, according to my sources, his case doesn’t look very promising, freedom wise;.
Remember who told you HERE first
IF YOU HAVE a sane brain between your head , you know this equation is correct
UPND + HH = Instability and trouble in Z.
I like HH hope he is not ill but peace is paramount
There is no vacuum at statehouse until 2026
Thanks
BB2014,2016
OFFCOURSE we are used to this drama. i hear its called Dununa reverse back there in Zambia. They speak and refute what they said publicly. Zambian reports will bring a recording to shame them because they would have harassed them as we know them to be rough and evil everytime they deal with the opposition.
State House is scared to death because what the Bishops said is very true and that Bishops are right on. Yaba!
Please concentrate on keeping him behind bars, so far so good. Forget about the noise around you, your focus must remain to be on treason charges.
@Gringo! noko icimulepu ubukulu! blind cadre.
Back-tracking Mr President? Scared of the Pope whom you had an audience with not too long ago? The worst may still be ahead Sir. Don’t listen to dunces like Mugshots. She is misleading you. Be your own self.
Zambia reports is crap. Toilet paper. Its not different from watch-imbwa or The Mast, propaganda publications that write imagined stories
Every angle Chanda and his boss moves to is becoming hot. Wait and see what will come at the end of the injustice you have introduced in this country start to look for you. Then at the time your eyes will open.
Editor’s Note: Response To Mr. Amos Chanda’s Feedback
Peter Adamu | April 28, 2017
| No comments
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda issued a statement yesterday expressing his opinion regarding an article titled “Lungu breathes fire on Catholics,” allegedly published by Zambia Reports.
Our publication endeavours to reliably and fairly report events of public interest in the country, and we welcome feedback and open discussion from all citizens and concerned parties.
It must be noted; however, that our publication has not carried any article referenced in the statement issued by the press office at State House.
The publication takes into account of only two articles published in relation to the Catholic Bishops since Sunday. These…
Chanda ignore these reports because Upnd /Mmembe wants to use the Catholic Church to cause an uprising. Our Bishops and general membership cannot fall for this. They’re misusing the facility of online news.
We know about that satanist moslem in State House. He is not a Christian. This news is entirely credible because he is sensitive to criticism and readily over-reacts. So-called fake news is credible because it is consistent with the nature of the principal character. It is not far-fetched. The drunk moslem hates being criticised.
ndanje you are right
that is wat i call a sens of human
dummy Stop threatening those who have different opinions. Unlike you we have a free mind and use common sense. Not everyone here is a political leech like you.
Zicta will need to imprison half of Zambia to stop all criticism of Lungu. Half of Zambia does not support Lungu. Just check the results of the last election. Lungu’s regime wants to harass and intimidate all critical voices in Zambia. YOU DO NOT OWN ZAMBIA. WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, WE HAVE A STAKE IN ZAMBIA INC. AND WE WILL ALWAYS SAY OUR OPINION.
Why should he do that when he can sit with them and talk.
Lungu is sly. He will not address his adversaries head on. He uses third parties like Anus Chanda or the PFolice, while he humbly goes about as if he is holy.
Load of Rubbish
The nation needs healing.It is oozing blood of hate,vengeance and bitterness.We expect our leaders to sit round the table and iron out their differences.We have a lot of challenges as a nation.We can only conquer, if and only if,we love one another.A divided family will never stand the storms of life.This is not the time to out do each other but it is the time to embrace each and conquer the many vices that are hitting our nation.What sort of nation are we going to bequeath to our children and grandchildren if we plant seeds of hate?Zambia,is like a baby,who needs love and care.We need to nurse this child with parental love and guidance.
Mbaluso, the nation is being held at ransom by HH and his upnd and any uncouth sympathy from within and abroad will just worsen the situation. Just bear in mind that geographically there are more supporters of PF country wide than upnd and their silence should not be mistaken for supporting HH.
@Bwanga,all am saying is that we will live to regret if we start hating and hurting one another.Much as we might differ in opinion,we need to build this nation on principles of love and forgiveness.Differences will arise but it will depend on the way we handle them.The seeds of love and caring for one another should be watered by each one of us.Insults,hate and envy will not build our nation.If I insult my brother or sister using social media,am creating a strange spirit in that person which will eventually explode.Let us edify one another with words of hope and love.We need not to attack one another using social media.
You are the same chaps in fear of HH you have forgotten about bettering the economy in a quest to fight HH, what ashame!
It is tragic that Lungu’s and PF supporters are acquiescing to dictatorship. One day he will turn on you. You will have nobody to blame. Shonas used to celebrate when Mugabe killed Ndebeles during Gukurahundi. Now Shonas are dispersed around the world, even selling biscuits on Lusaka streets and prostituting in Misisi compound. You, too, your day is coming after Lungu is finished with Tongas, Lozis and NWPers.
i don’t envy your job at this stage Amos. I really pity you. Things fall apart.
The Vatican has already read about your abuse of human rights Lungu you thought this was going to be easy just wait till they are done with you beer will be drained out of you.
The Zambia Reports social media has always been pro Pf. HH and his UPND have been under heavy attack by this online media before and after elections. What has changed, since when did they start siding with HH or am I missing something here?
Look at media houses now they have seen that this nothing but just hatred of someone by the name of HH.
Tayali who is behind Zambia Reports and who supported Lungu during the last elections is now under Lungu’s sights. He even shared the dock with HH last week. That’s why.
Zambia Reports is not journalism. It is propaganda with personal and political agendas always driving the reporting
ALA BA AMOS WE KNOEW IT WAS A MERE FABRICATION BY THESE FAKE MEDIA
SORRY IT WAS SUPPOSED TO READ’ ALA BA AMOS WE KNEW IT WAS A MERE FABRICATION BY THESE FAKE MEDIA
BA AMOS, JUST CONTINUE WORKING HARD FOR THE GOOD OF OUR MOTHER ZAMBIA AND DO NOT BE DERAILED BY THESE FAKE AND IMPOTENT MEDIA, YOU’RE DELIVERYING WELL. WE KNEW IT WAS A MERE FABRICATION.
Reply
Who’s a Government Spokesperson, PF Spokesperson, or State House Spokesperson?
You go and tear gas a person who has not been issued with a call out to come to the Police and has never refused. Ubukopo uyu, you go and use maximum force with a lot of resources for a result you can achieve with minimal force with very few resources. Effective administration of any operation requires thinking
WHICH ARE THE LEADERS OF THE SO CALLED 3 MOTHER BOARDS? THE MWANZA PUKUTA, BANDA JOSHUA, PETER NDLOVU? KIKIKIKI, THE WAKO NIWAKO?
LUNGU SPEAKS CARELESS WHEN HE IS IN A DRUNKEN STATE.
Iwe ka Dununa Reverse Stylo, uzisunge ka! The catholic church are the biggest mafiozza and you as a miniature rat would be commiting suicide trying to play wrestling with them. Keep yourself to bena HH, the Pope is in a league of his own. Bewarned!
MY WORRY IS THAT WHY HAVE WE BEEN HYPNOTIZED LIKE THIS? WHERE ARE OUR CHIEFS, IN OUR COUNTRY?
They have all been bought by ka K15,000 per month and lest they be degarzetted, their hands and lips are tied!
Coming to Amos, he has not refuted the authenticity of his leaked audio with the IG. What we saw was witch hunting at Liquid offices. Why? The embarrassment was too much! There is nothing hidden under the sun! It is futile to keep on fighting the truth! What then is the official state house response to the direct constructive challenge the Bishops have given? We are first Zambian citizens and political affiliation is temporary!
mushota , I thought you said you don’t support any party but your comments have shown that you PF…..
Mwana wandi , Lesa ali kutemwa….. Ama shiwi obe talibwino….
Ule pepa LESA munchinshika…..
Don’t hate HH or Love LUNGu more than GOD… do you think you can speak like that before GOD physically Face to face?
Ofcourse we knew it was fabricated information .it did not need a rocket scientist to realise so- It is the deeds of ECL’s haters
God will always vindicate his own . You are safe ECL
UPND cadres really puzzle me a lot.State House cannot be scared of Catholic bishops.after the death of Mr Sata,many of those catholic bishops stopped suporting PF but president Edgar Lungu has since won two elections minus their support or votes.these are few indivinduals with little influence on catholics.if these bishops were sincere,they could have blamed HH’s evil behaviour in mongu and the way he has been conducting himself after 11/08/2016 than simply saying “AS CATHOLIC BISHOPS WE DO NOT SUPPORT LAWLESSNESS”.Edith Nawakwi once warned HH to stop conducting himself as if he is already Zambian president.but because of his arrogance,HH never listened to Edith Nawakwi and now there he is in jail today because of his nonsense!!!PLEASE GOVNT,LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE.IGNORE CRY…
Lungu says a lot of things and quite often most things do not make sense. When he says no, he means yes. He operates along the lines of…’do as I say and not what I do.’ Only Lungu can throw a tantrum and flex a bit of muscle against anyone with different views. And he keeps saying he does not want to interfere with the tramped up charge against HH. This is one joke that ain’t funny because you Amos and your boss planned this. Days are numbered for a reason!
Respected in the eyes of Amos is when one sings PF praises. Even the Cathorics are not respected since they do lick someone’s …….
Comment:
Yes, indeed, Thére’s something very queer going on at Zambia Reports recently. Could it be the promised position was not offered to someone there?
Tayali and his post-election treatment by PF is your answer.
We don’t believe PF; it is full of lies; they say things which they later deny; in any case, Lungu need to change if he expects to be treated humanely after his presidency
@poisioned tree,ati Zicta will find you. Sounds like a small boy wanting to scare others on a swing that my brother will beat you. Why are cowards always scared of their own shadows?
How about that recording between Amos Chanda & IG, is it real or fake also?
When you are successful in one way or the other you shall always attract enemies and most are those who are not ready to learn from your success. These are ones who always want to pull you down using very unconventional methods other than election like in your case Mr President. My advise to ECL is that You must walk on. Even in the time of Jesus here on earth he had enemies. Who are we not to have?
IN MY OPINION AND THAT OF MOST ZAMBIANS, SOCIAL MEDIA ARE THERE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BUILDING AND PROTECTING DEMOCRACY AND ACTING AS A REPRESENTATIVE FORUM FOR THE VIEWS OF CITIZENS. BUT HOW EFFECTIVE ARE OUR ZAMBIAN MEDIA IN PERFORMING THIS FUNCTION HERE IN OUR COUNTRY? THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY PERFORM THIS ROLE IS MEASURED BY HOW TRUTHFUL, OBJECTIVE AND UNBIASED THEY PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE CITIZENS, AND THE DEGREE TO WHICH THEY PRESENT THE VIEWS OF CITIZENS, A CASE STUDY OF THE MISREPRESENTATATION REPORT BY THE ZAMBIAN REPORT. LOOKING AT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA HERE IN ZAMBIA, LET’S ANALYSE OUR SOCIAL MEDIA HERE IN ZAMBIA WITH A MICROSCOPE. LOOK AT THE NEWS THEY PROVIDE. ALL THE NEWS IS JUST FOOLISH PROPAGANDA AGAINST EITHER THE STATE OR AN INDIVIDUAL THEY WISH TO PULL DOWN AND…
AGREED JULDY. IT’S ALL PSEUDO-JOURNALISM
The story was in Zambia Observer not Zambia Reports. Ba State House vuvuzela he doesn’t even have his facts right he just wants to shoot his mouth off