By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member

During our most recent Press Conferences held at the party Secretariat, the UPND made it unequivocally clear, that the reckless debate on tribalism in Zambia is nothing but a political tactic and diversion by the PF.

We made it clear, that the PF would never want to engage in a national discussion around corruption, and how it has cost the Zambian people well in excess of $10bn since the PF assumed office. They can never engage the issue of increasing household poverty, and how close to 4 million more Zambians are poorer today than only 8 million in 2011. They can never engage in a discussion around unpaid public sector pensioners who have now been chased from the Ministry of Justice. They can never engage in a discussion about how the cost of the Basic Needs Food Basket for a family of 6 is now close to K7,000 per month!

They don’t want to discuss the cost of fuel or electricity and strategies to normalize this because it benefits corrupt individuals in government and their business associates.

They don’t want to discuss how broken the business environment is to the extent that reductions in FDI is now approaching the $1bn mark.

The Minister of Finance Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu recently presented a frightening status report of the Zambian economy, and no one is discussing this because that is exactly what the PF would like – no one should engage in a discussion on serious issues of substantive collective interest. It makes them look bad.

How about shortages of drugs and staff in our hospitals and clinics….How about falling standards in public education leading to a precipitous rise in private schools.

These are the issues the country should be discussing, and yet, the PF have created a senseless diversion to a discussion around Tribalism, a problem that only exists in the hearts and minds of PF politicians.

Is Zambia better today because of what Nkandu Luo said in CHILUBI? Are we better off today because of what Bizwell and Nyela said in CHILUBI? Are we better of today because of the most recent statement issued by the government through their mouthpiece Dora Siliya?

The tolerance for stupidity in our national politics must end countrymen and women.

Zambia has a mountain to climb in order to lift our people out of poverty, and engaging in a discussion around tribes is not how Europe or America or Dubai were built.

The UPND will be relentless in providing leadership on real issues and ensure that this reckless plot to divide the country for the benefit of a small group of people ends.

International development organization Oxfam says it regrets that the government has terminated the recognition agreement between the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the University of Zambia Researchers and Lecturers Union (UNZALARU).

In a statement, Oxfam says although a number of different positions have been presented by the parties involved, the final decision is an infringement on democracy and lack of tolerance for divergent views that could provide a basis for collective resolution to the issue at hand.

“Oxfam is of the view that a deep analysis of the drivers of this break down needs to be undertaken as matter of urgency. The analysis should be on the quality of investment to the teaching and learning environment; financial viability in context of shrinking resources, how decisions are made and power is used in favour of better governance of the University of Zambia,” it said.

“In addition, the risks of terminating such an agreement are greater than seeking consensus and the resulting common good which is, excellence in human development. Therefore, Oxfam recommends that the agreement be reinstated and a platform for a risk reflective approach to address this impasse be used.“

”We urge government to support both short and long term solutions with dependable investment plans and a clear path of how the parties will regain a mutually beneficial relationship in the best interest of the institution.”

UPND Leader Hakainde Hicgilema says President Edgar Lungu’s lopsided warning that they are closing in on the criminals alleged to be behind the gassing of people on one hand, while on the other offering huge sums of money to those with the information about these thugs, characterises the tragic irony with which the PF has been governing Zambia.

Mr Hichilema says veiled political threats to an already threatened citizenry accelerates uncertainty and fear.

The UPND Leader says this is a grave situation requiring a somber disposition than a wavering commitment.

He said the criminals must be brought to book and the suspects already in police custody must be thoroughly interrogated within the confines of the law, so that they can disclose the people masterminding these heinous crimes.

Mr Hichilema has however called on members of the public to refrain from acts of taking the law in their hands.

He said such behaviour is unhelpful and has potential to merely inflict injury, and even death on equally distressed citizens, who maybe completely innocent.

President Edgar Lungu yesterday warned those behind the gassing of innocent citizens in selected parts of the Country that their days are numbered.

“Whatever their motivation, we are closing in on you. We will find you and you will pay for your criminal activities.To all those daring me as President, you will have yourselves to blame when I act and no one will speak for you. You cannot injure society and expect to go free”, he said in a posting on his Facebook page.

President Lungu restated that there is K250,000 cash to anyone with any information on people behind this menace.

He assured Citizens that he will do everything it takes to protect them as that is his number one responsibility and has ordered the Zambia Army to move in immediately and control the gassing situation.

People’s Alliance for Change President Andyford Banda says President Edgar Lungu’s reaction that government is closing in on the suspects and the offer of K250, 000 on anyone with information on the people behind the spate of gassing is not helping matters.

Mr Banda says the decision by the Head of State will only contribute to rumour mongering and finger pointing already witnessed between the ruling Patriotic Front and the United Party for National Development.

He said the Head of State has the constitutional mandate as the commander in chief of the armed forces to protect Zambian citizens including those that have been killed for alleged involvement in the gassing of houses.

Mr Banda said no life or property should be lost because the President could not act on time to prevent such happenings.

“PAC believes that the problem that we are faced with as a country needs quick action from the Head of State in order to assure the Investor Community that their investments are safe. If this situation is not controlled quickly, we risk losing key investments and having the Kwacha weaken further as most investors will not be willing to conduct business in Zambia”, he added.

Mr Banda has since advised political parties to avoid blame game but work together and help the Police to arrest the situation.

He said blaming each other on who is and who is not behind the gassing will not in any way help resolve the situation.
We must all regardless of political affiliation be concerned that institutions like MTN, one of the biggest investors in Zambia had their offices in Lusaka gassed which is a big threat to the country’s economy.

Mr Banda has emphasised that the security situation in the country is deteriorating following the increased cases of gassing which started in Chingola and have now spread to North Western and Lusaka Provinces.

He has also noted with regret that despite the assurance from the Zambia Police High command to arrest the situation, more houses, schools and now offices have been gassed in Lusaka and likely to spread to other provinces, an indication that police officers are facing difficulties in containing the situation hence they require assistance from other security wings.

Mr Banda is hopeful that the engagement of soldiers will help bring the perpetrators to book.