Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has rejected allegations suggesting that government officials promoted claims that former president Edgar Lungu had been poisoned, stating that the narrative originated from Patriotic Front members themselves.
According to the report, Mweetwa said government institutions had no role in circulating such claims and described the allegations as political rhetoric emerging from opposition circles. He said the administration remained focused on governance matters and warned against the spread of unverified information capable of misleading the public.
Mweetwa’s remarks appeared amid continued political exchanges involving statements about Lungu’s health and political standing. Public discussion around the issue has intensified across political platforms, prompting responses from leaders seeking to clarify their positions. The minister said that responsibility for statements made in the public domain rests with those advancing them, stressing that the government’s role is to provide accurate information.
The report indicates that the controversy developed following comments attributed to Patriotic Front members, which sparked debate among supporters of different political parties. Mweetwa said the administration had not endorsed or repeated any poisoning narrative and urged political actors to exercise caution when addressing sensitive matters involving former national leaders.
Political exchanges surrounding Lungu have remained a recurring theme in Zambia’s media space, with statements from both ruling party figures and opposition members shaping the national conversation. Mweetwa’s response adds to a series of government clarifications aimed at addressing claims circulating within political discourse.
During his remarks, the minister emphasised the importance of responsible communication, stating that leaders should rely on verified facts when discussing national issues. He said political competition should not result in the spread of information that lacks credible backing, noting that inaccurate claims have the potential to create confusion among citizens.
The development comes at a time when Zambia’s political environment continues to experience heightened debate ahead of electoral milestones. Statements by senior figures often attract immediate reactions from rival parties, reflecting a political climate where messaging plays a central role in shaping public perception.
Mweetwa said the government remains committed to maintaining stability and transparency, adding that discussions involving former leaders should be approached with respect and factual accuracy. His comments underline the administration’s position that public discourse must be grounded in verifiable information rather than speculation.
The minister reiterated that government priorities include policy implementation and national development, urging political actors to avoid narratives that could distract from issues affecting citizens. His remarks form part of ongoing efforts by the administration to address political statements circulating in national media.
This chap has to go as noone believes anything he says these days
If the allegation is from the patriotic front, then there is no further action required because the PF are not an extension of ECLs family.
There can only be action if the allegation was from the family of ECL. More over the PF talk was very informal and was not an issue that was reported formally any where, it is best described as nkhani yamu kachasu
Mr Mweetwa and HH: These are partisan politics. We don’t pay a government for political fighting. Ministers should do government work not party assaults
You think Zambian politicians are that ethical? The smokies the picture the more hands in the treasury.
You think Zambian politicians are that ethical? The smokier the picture the more hands in the treasury.