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FFTUZ castigates politicians for belittling Sata’s funeral

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Service Chiefs during the laying ceremony at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on November 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Service Chiefs during the laying ceremony at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on November 1,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) has castigated politicians for belittling the national mourning of President Michael Sata by allegedly engaging in a power struggle.

FFTUZ Acting President, Msiska Chingati, said his organisation is disappointed over the inappropriate behaviour of the Patriotic Front (PF) of reducing President Sata’s funeral into a political battlefield.

Mr Chingati said it is un-Zambian and un-African for people to make provocative and alarming statements during the funeral of a deceased person.

He said the behaviour exhibited by some politicians in the PF was an insult to President Sata and his family and the nation at large.

The trade unionist wondered how a state funeral should be marred by unrest and disorder, saying President Sata deserves utmost respect and a dignified mourning.

In a statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Chingati urged the PF to desist from taking the belligerent path as it may plunge the country into chaos and war.

He said the country needs serious, responsible and level-headed politicians to unite Zambian during this trying period and over a smooth transition of power.

Recently, Edgar Lungu was removed from his position as PF Secretary General whilst the country is mourning the death of President Michael Sata.
The action sparked some waves of violent protests across the country among youths demanding the immediate reinstatement of Mr Lungu.

Acting President, Guy Scott, who is also acting PF President, has since rescinded the decision and appealed to the PF, government and Zambians to remain calm and united.

Dr Scott said it is imperative that the PF leadership respects the mourning period.

On October 31, Dr Scott instructed that all consultations and campaigning for the forthcoming Presidential by-election be suspended until after President Sata’s burial.

Causing the diplomatic downgrading of Zambia from transition to crisis is shameful-Msoni

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Nason Msoni
Nason Msoni

The Opposition APC has admonished Acting President Guy Scott for the way he has mishandled himself in the last 48 hours which lead to the country being downgraded in terms of diplomatic ratings and has called on him to sort out the mess before foreign leaders start arriving.

APC President Nason Msoni said the down-grading of the diplomatic rating of Zambia from transition to crisis is shameful, uncalled for and reckless which Guy Scott should fix by assuring the nation and outside world that he will behave himself for the remaining mourning period.

“The down grading of the diplomatic rating of Zambia from transition to crisis is shameful and uncalled for and at best reckless.

“Guy Scott must now fix this mess by giving assurances that for the reminder of the morning period he will endeavor to conduct himself in a manner befitting a statesman mourning a departed colleague and friend.”

He also called Dr. Scott to ensure that he puts in security measures to curtail any violence by cadres in the presences of visiting international dignitaries who will come to attend the funeral.

He said, “we also urge him to put in place sufficient security mechanisms of ensuring that the final resting place of president Sata next week will not be disrupted and characterized by violence in the presence of visiting international dignitaries.”

The Opposition leader’s concerns comes in the wake of sporadic violence which erupted after Guy Scott fired Edgar Lungu before being reinstated as PF General Secretary General.

Meanwhile yesterday veteran Politician Vernon Mwaanga expressed his disapproval of the conduct of senior PF officials describing it as “horrifying and worrying.”

Mr. Mwaanga said was disrespectful to president Sata who single handedly formed the PF that wrangles should take centre stage and urged all parties to be level headed and sober in the period of national mourning.

He wondered why the members of PF have continued jostling for power at a time when the country should be mourning their leader peacefully something the public has agreed on.

The veteran politician further appealed to members of the ruling PF to stop the “madness” which he said has the potential to tarnish the image of the country to the outside world.

Eight heads of State to attend Sata’s burial

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Pallbearers carry Sata's casket
Pallbearers carry Sata’s casket

Eight African Heads of State have confirmed their attendance of late President Michael Sata’s burial.

The late Head of State will be buried next week on Tuesday 11th November at Embassy Park the presidential burial site in Lusaka.

Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka today, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says this is an indication that President Sata was loved across the continent.

Mr. Kalaba says the Heads of State who will attend the burial of President Sata include Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, Namibia President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza and Malawi’s Peter Mutharika.

Mr. Kalaba says Tanzania will send its Vice President Ali Bilal while South Africa will be represented by First Lady Mrs Zuma.

He adds that Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamin-Zuma will also attend the burial of the late President.

Mr Kalaba says China, USA, Japan, Australia, Seychelles and Sri Lanka will send Ambassadors and other high ranking officials.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kalaba has appealed for peace as the country continues to mourn late Republican President Michael Sata.

North-west Minister commends Scott for reinstating Lungu

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Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (c) who is also PF Secretary General listens to Western Province PF Chairperson Kenneth Namutulo (l) as Mongu Central Member of Parliament Nathaniel Mubukwanu (kneeling) and Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (r) look on during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province
Defense Minister Edgar Lungu (c) who is also PF Secretary General listens to Western Province PF Chairperson Kenneth Namutulo (l) as Mongu Central Member of Parliament Nathaniel Mubukwanu (kneeling) and Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (r) look on during a PF Rally meeting at Blue Gums in Mongu District of Western Province

North-western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu has commended acting President Guy Scott for reversing his decision to dismiss Defence Minister Edgar Lungu as Patriotic Front Secretary General.

Mr Mubukwanu said the move by Dr Scott to reinstate Mr Lungu is a mark of good leadership and should be commended because it is in line with the spirit of unity in the ruling party.

The provincial minister was speaking last night when he addressed Solwezi residents at St Daniels Catholic Church in Solwezi during a mass held to celebrate President Michael Sata’s life.

Mr Mubukwanu said the ruling party has a solemn duty to provide hope to the people of Zambia by avoiding divisions that can jeopardize peace in the country.

And Catholic Diocese of Solwezi Charles Kasonde has called on Zambians to mourn President Sata quietly and avoid confusion in order to maintain peace.

Bishop Kasonde has called on Christians countrywide to pray for a smooth transition of power.

He has since conveyed his condolences to the first family, government and the people of Zambia on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi.

JCTR advises Guy Scott to display a statesman like approach to governing the country

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JCTR advises Guy Scott to display a statesman like approach to governing the country

jctr

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has advised Acting President Guy Scott to isplay an impartial, objective, professional and statesman like approach to governing the country until the nation goes to the polls in January 2015.

In a statement released to the media today and signed by Executive Director Father Leonard Chiti, JCTR urged on Dr Scott to demonstrate leadership in managing this difficult and painful transition by being more consultative within the established party and government structures. JCTR further advised the acting president to avoid being influenced by any individual or group of people that may want to undermine the desire and will of the people.

Below is the full statement

Press Release
5th November 2014

Press Statement on the state of affairs in the nation

This press statement is issued on behalf of different stakeholders and ordinary people in the country who have expressed concern with the manner in which recent events have unfolded in the nation. This nation is in mourning but was treated to an unfortunate and ill-timed announcement regarding the leadership situation in the party in government.

On the evening of 3rd November 2014, news tricked in that there was a change at the General Secretary, SG, level of the Patriotic Front.

A news item on ZNBC attributed to the Acting President, Dr Guy Scott, indicated that Hon Edgar Lungu had been relieved of his position as SG.

This decision immediately excited strong emotions among various sections of society, with demonstrations being reported in different parts of the country.

Such demonstrations were accompanied by shock and anger amongst many citizens especially that there was explanation why Honourable Lungu was removed and it appeared as if no prior consultations were made.

Further this decision caused unnecessary tensions amongst citizens of our country particularly coming at a time when the nation is mourning the loss of President Michael Sata.

Although this uncalled for action was withdrawn, it reinforces the perception that there are divisions within the ruling party, and that there is a parallel structure to the party and government structures that is working to undermine the collective responsibility of government. Some people associated with this parallel structure are trying to usurp power and manipulate the due processes to be undertaken by:

i) Selecting a credible and preferable candidate for the ruling party and generally;

ii) Working towards undermining the electoral process.

It is also perceived that some of the people associated with the parallel structure appear to have access to immense financial resources to influence national matters such as the selection of a candidate from the ruling party who would advance their agenda.

Sadly, some of our public officers who are tasked with safeguarding national interests have fallen prey to these machinations and thereby neglecting their constitutional responsibility of preserving and promoting national interests.

What has been stated above if not checked can plunge this nation into anarchy and tear apart the peace and unity that we have enjoyed as a nation in the last fifty years.

Further, decisions that have been made in recent times go against our traditions and cultures.

In view, of the above, we would like to:

a. Urge the Acting President to demonstrate leadership in managing this difficult and painful transition by being more consultative within the established party and government structures.
b. We call for a more rational, level headed and unifying approach to national matters
c. Advise the Acting President to avoid being influenced by any individual or group of people that may want to undermine the desire and will of the people.
d. Display an impartial, objective, professional and statesman like approach to governing the country until we go to the polls in January 2015.

We also appeal to all Zambians irrespective of their political affiliation to remain calm and continue to mourn our departed President with honour and dignity.

We further urge them to be vigilant and avoid being drawn into acts of violence or actions which may bring divisions in the nation.

We further note with concern the language and tone of some sections of the media which can raise tensions, bring divisions and breach the peace we have enjoyed for many years.

We urge such media entities to refrain from this irresponsible behavior and work towards conveying credible information and not to be seen to be peddling falsehoods.

The media should be contributing to easing tensions and project the good image of the country as we welcome the world to mourn with us at this time.
Finally, we would like to appeal to the leadership of the PF party and other opposition leaders to contribute towards preserving harmony and to guide the conduct of their followers.

Issued by Fr Leonard Chiti, sj
Executive Director, Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, JCTR

Emmanuel Siwale urges U20 to win CAF U20 Cup

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Ex-Zambia Under-20 deputy coach Emmanuel Siwale has urged the Junior Chipolopolo to aim at winning the 2015 CAF Youth Championship.

The Under-20 will participate in next year’s CAF Youth Championship after ending a seven-year long exile from the competition.

Siwale, who was part of the George Lwandamina bench which led the Under-20 to the 2007 World Cup and Africa Cup, said time has come for Zambia to win the continental championship.

“It is good the team has qualified but we need to do better this time around. We have been to that Africa Cup before so now the boys have to go all the way to the final and if possible win the competition,” he said.

“My appeal to the players and the coaches is that they must work extra hard and make the nation proud. Playing at the Africa Cup is tough.

The boys must stay focused and disciplined because we have qualified before. They must not put on jackets,” Siwale said.

The 20th CAF Under-20 Championship takes place in Niger from 8-22 March.

Power Dynamos ploting Zanaco downfall

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Striker Jimmy Ndhlovu says Power Dynamos must beat Zanaco in their next FAZ Super League match to stay in contention to win the title.

With two matches remaining before the season ends, Power are second on the table with 54 points, two behind leaders Zesco United, after 28 matches played.

Power are scheduled to face Zanaco on 15th November in Lusaka before hosting Nakambala Leopards in their final league match on November 22.

“We are taking that game seriously. You know the game against Zanaco is very important to us,” Ndhlovu said.

“The only option we have is to win. It is good that we are facing our fellow league contenders,” he said.
The striker rates Power’s chances of winning the league title as high.

“We have a big chance to win the league for the first time since 2012. We have about 75% chances of winning the league especially that our last game is at home,” Ndhlovu said.

Power have so far posted 14 wins, 12 draws and two defeats.

Don’t campaign for me-Mulenga Sata

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PF supporters of Mulenga Sata campaigning for Mulenga's PF party presidency with a placard before president Sata's body arrived
PF supporters of Mulenga Sata campaigning for Mulenga’s PF party presidency with a placard before president Sata’s body arrived

Late President Michael Sata’s son Mulenga has advised people that have launched his campaigns for the presidency to immediately stop.

Mulenga urged those interested in propelling him to State House to allow him time to mourn his late father.He said he is not interesting in pursuing higher office at this stage adding that now is the time to mourn.Mulenga also said he was disappointed that some people? printed campaign T-shirts and gave some cares to wear at the airport during the arrival of his late father’s body.

He said he was not even aware that some people would go the extent of printing Tshirts bearing campaign messages at this stage.Mulenga has since called on all PF members to exercise restraint and allow the nation to mourn Mr Sata in dignity.He said launching presidential campaigns now has the potential of adding to the already high tensions in the party.

There was nothing wrong with Mr Lungu’s dismissal, says PF Livingstone District Chairperson

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Dr Guy Scott acting President Salute at the Late President Micheal Sata
Dr Guy Scott acting President Salute at the Late President Micheal Sata

PATRIOTIC Front (PF )Livingstone District Chairperson Fred Chibuye says Acting President Guy Scott’s decision to fire Edger Lungu as party Secretary General (SG) was within the confines of the party constitution.

Commenting on the recent developments in the ruling PF and subsequent firing of the just appointed SG Lungu by Dr Scott, Mr Chibuye said there was nothing wrong with Mr Lungu’s dismissal because the Acting president did so with the blessings of the party constitution.

Mr Chibuye said as members, it was important for them to respect the party hierarchy in order to avoid un-necessary conflict.

“What the Party President Dr Scott has done is within the party constitution. Our party constitution does not limit the acting president on what he can or cannot do,” Mr Chibuye said.

He said it was important for the party to remain united at all levels and structures and respect the leadership.

Mr Chibuye said Dr Scott was now the party’s president and his decisions needed to be followed and respected.

“Dr Scott for now is our party President and we agree to follow whatever decisions he makes, and I urge all party members in other districts to do the same,” Mr Chibuye said.

And commenting on concerns that the party in the District was divided and that they were having parrarel mourning sites, Mr Chibuye said the official mourning site that was recognized in Livingstone for both the party and Government was the Mukuni Park.

He said if other party members chose to Mourn Mr Sata from the Livingstone Golf club or anywhere else, they were free to do so but their activities were not going to be recognized by government.

Mr Chibuye said it was important for members to show some respect for the late President Sata by getting united and avoiding activities that would bring divisions in the party.

“The official mourning place here in Livingstone is the Mukuni Park. If there are any party members who have decided to mourn from The Golf Club or anywhere else, that’s their choice, but for government and the party the recognized mourning site is the Mukuni Park,” Mr Chibuye said.

Hon. Guy Scott Is the Right Person to Act as President

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Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Acting President Dr Guy Scott shortly after a Cabinet meeting at State House on October 29,2014 -Picture by THOMAS NSAMA

By Henry Kyambalesa

I wish to join other Zambians in expressing my heartfelt grief upon the passing of President Michael C. Sata. It is really another dark chapter in our beloved country’s history!

With respect to the issue concerning the person who is supposed to act as Republican President during the 90-day period leading to the election of the next Republican President, Hon. Guy Scott is constitutionally the right person to assume the functions of the presidency as stipulated in Article 38(2) of the 1996 Republican Constitution as follows:

“Whenever the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice-President or, in the absence of the Vice-President or if the Vice President is unable, by reason of physical or mental infirmity, to discharge the functions of his office, a member of the Cabinet elected by the Cabinet shall perform the functions of the office of the President until a person elected as President in accordance with Article 34 assumes office.”

As members of the Zambian family and members of a civilized society, I trust that we will remain calm and peaceful during this very difficult time of national mourning. I also trust that political leaders will dissuade their supporters from engaging in politically motivated violence, because such violence is likely to destroy our beloved country if we fail to make a resolute attempt to address its underlying causes.

Allow me to re-state what I have identified before in my previous articles as some of the salient causes of politically motivated violence, including the tendency by some Zambians to consider other citizens who have dissenting political views, as well as those who belong to other political parties, as “enemies” rather than “patriots” who also have a stake and a genuine interest in the future of our beloved country.

The real enemies of our beloved country today are not any given individuals or groups of individuals; and they are certainly not any given political parties, foreign countries, non-governmental organizations, or a particular political or economic ideology. Rather, our real enemies are poverty, hunger, ignorance, illiteracy, disease, widespread unemployment, crime, corruption, and moral decay.

Politically motivated violence has also been exacerbated by intolerance, lack of respect for the rule of law, and an inability, on the part of perpetrators, to reach compromises with people who have dissenting views.

Besides, the tendency by some half-baked politicians to demonize and/or stigmatize political opponents has tended to incite political supporters against those who are labeled as political malcontents.

Moreover, politically motivated violence has been perpetrated against some leaders within political parties merely because they are often seen mixing with leaders from other political parties. But how on earth can a relative, a friend, a colleague, a neighbor, or a fellow worshipper become an “enemy” simply because he or she happens to belong to one of the other political parties in the country?

And the fact that political cadres are readily available to be used by their leaders to engage in violence on a regular basis in exchange for booze, a bag of corn meal, or a few pieces of silver attests to the unprecedented lack of decent means of earning a living—an issue which the next Republican president will need to address by devising simple, practical and commonsense solutions to our beloved country’s socioeconomic malaise.

Each and every one of us has a civic duty and obligation to confront politically motivated violence head-on in order to maintain the viability of our nascent democracy. Political leaders particularly have an enormous role to play in this endeavor; in the pursuit of their political ambitions, for example, they need to walk the walk in exhibiting a high level of tact and utmost respect in their dealings with political opponents and other members of society.

We should all learn to promote and propagate our political views in a manner that honors and acknowledges other citizens’ constitutionally guaranteed right to participate in the political process.

The author, Henry Kyambalesa, is a Zambian academic currently living in the City and County of Denver in the State of Colorado, USA.

Guy Scott is not interested in the smooth transition of power in the country-Operation Young Vot

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Guy Scott is not interested in the smooth transition of power in the country-Operation Young Vot
Acting president Guy Scott at the State lodge meeting
Acting president Guy Scott at the State lodge meeting

Operation Young Vote has accused acting president Guy Scott of not being interested in the smooth transition of power in the country.

OYV Executive Director Guess Nyirenda described the actions of acting president in the last 48 hours as not only dangerous and unacceptable to the democratic dispensation of the country but a recipe for anarchy.

Mr. Nyirenda noted that the excitement exhibited by Dr. Scott in making “unilateral but silly decision” is a recipe likely to bring anarchy and chaos in the ruling Patriotic Front as well as civil strife in the country at large.

“The excitement exhibited by Acting President, Dr. Guy Scott, where he is making unilateral but silly decisions is not only dangerous and unacceptable to our democratic dispensation but also a recipe for anarchy and chaos in the Patriotic Front party and civil strife in the country.

“Dr. Scott must be reminded that according to Article 39 (2) (b) he has no authority whatsoever to revoke any appointment made by the President,” said Mr. Nyirenda

He added: “It is very clear that Dr. Scott through his unwarranted actions that he is not in any way interested in seeing a smooth transition in Zambia’s political dispensation.”

Mr. Nyirenda said there is no way a person who bans Central Committee and Cabinet meetings in the name of mourning the president peacefully can start making decision without consulting others.

“There is no logic where on one hand he bans all Central Committee and Cabinet Meetings to all for peaceful and dignified mourning of President Sata while on the other hand he is making ground breaking decision unilaterally.

The firing of Edgar Lungu as PF Chief Executive Officer clearly indicates the hate Guy Scott has for Edgar, the disrespect he has for the late President and the Zambian and African tradition and the appetite to cause civil strife in the country.”

He expressed happiness with the Central Committee’s realization that Mr. Scott did not have the powers to make such decisions and their swift action leading to the acting president being forced to rescind his decision to Edgar Lungu as acting General Secretary of the ruling party.

“OYV is delighted at the realization by the PF Central Committee that it has power and authority over Dr. Scott and the decision to force his to rescind his politically immature unilateral decision of firing Edgar Lungu.

“Dr. Scott must be told in no uncertain terms that whoever he is trying to please by his unwarranted maneuvers are bound to lose and the people of Zambia shall forever be victorious.”

He also called on the PF Central Committee to to ensure that they put down their feet and refuse to be subjected to cheap politics by Dr. Scott.

“OYV is of the considered view that the PF Central Committee and Cabinet risk losing out with Dr. Guy Scott at the helm as he is clearly not working alone and the quicker they two organs put their feet down and refuse to be subjected to cheap politics the better for them,” he said.

This contained in a press statement released to the media by Mr. Nyirenda.

National Assembly to hold interdenominational service for Sata on Monday

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Opposition Members of parliament listens during the presentation of 2015 budget
Opposition Members of parliament listens during the presentation of 2015 budget

The National Assembly of Zambia will hold an interdenominational thanksgiving requiem church service for the state funeral of late President Michael Sata on Monday, 10th November 2014.

The interdenominational thanksgiving service will be held at parliament buildings from 10:00 hours to 12:00 hours and will be attended by foreign heads of state and other dignitaries.

Clerk of the National Assembly Doris Mwinga made the announcement today in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka.

Ms. Mwinga stated that attendance will be strictly by cards adding that invitation cards and programme for the thanksgiving ceremony will be delivered to guests from Wednesday 5th to Thursday 6th November 2014.

President Sata, who died on 28th October 2014 in London, will be buried on 11th November 2014 at Embassy Park opposite the Cabinet office in Lusaka.

The body of the late president is lying in state at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka where members of the public are trooping in numbers to pay their last respect to the late Head of State.

Sata was a candid person-VJ

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Former President Kenneth Kaunda,President Sata and Vernon Mwanga share a light moment during the requiem Mass of George Kunda at the Cathedral of the Chld Jesus In Lusaka.Courtesy State House press unit
Former President Kenneth Kaunda,President Sata and Vernon Mwanga share a light moment during the requiem Mass of George Kunda at the Cathedral of the Chld Jesus In Lusaka.Courtesy State House press unit

Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has described the late President Michael Sata as a straightforward person who carried his true personality into politics.

Dr. Mwaanga said the late Mr. Sata believed in a hands-on approach to national issues.

He has since urged Zambians to concentrate on mourning the late President and only resort to constitutional matters regarding the affairs of the nation after his burial.

Dr. Mwaanga said the late President Sata deserves a funeral befitting the Head of State.

He noted that failure to do so will turn the country into a laughing stock to the outside world.

ZANIS reports that Dr. Mwaanga said this after signing the book of condolences for the late President Sata at Government House in Lusaka today.

And the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) said the country has been robbed of a practical man who wanted to reform the health sector in Zambia.

ZMA president Aaron Mujajati said the late President Sata had a special bond with health workers and worked tirelessly to improve their working conditions.

Dr. Mujajati expressed hope that the legacy of the late President Sata of improving health care delivery in the country will continue in the next regime.

First Lady Christine Kaseba calls on Zambians to mourn her husband in peace

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First Lady Christine Kaseba calls on Zambians to mourn her husband in peace
Northmead Assembly of God Bishop Joshua Banda, Pastor Haggai Mweene (l) and Dr Martin Malama (r) prays for Dr Kaseba when they visited her
Northmead Assembly of God Bishop Joshua Banda, Pastor Haggai Mweene (l) and Dr Martin Malama (r) prays for Dr Kaseba when they visited her

First Lady, Christine Kaseba, has called for all Zambians to mourn her late husband in peace.

Dr Kaseba said this is the time to reflect and celebrate the life of President Michael Sata, saying the late President was a peace maker.

The First Lady said this when she visited mourners gathered at the Show Grounds in Lusaka today in a speech read for her by Tourism Minister, Jean Kapata.

Dr Kaseba said the nation must uphold the peace which President Michael Sata preached in his political career.

She said she has come to join those mourning her late husband because he was a man who was always jovial and loved being around people.

Dr Kaseba thanked all the mourners that gathered to mourn her husband in peace, unity, love and dignity.

Earlier Pastor Martha of the Gospel band and the Peace Preachers urged the first family to look to God for comfort during their trying moments.

Pastor Martha urged the nation to remain united and mourn the late president in peace because that was his legacy.

Prominent among those that attended the funeral service are Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska and Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kamwili, Kabwata Member of parliament, Given Lubinda, Gender Deputy Minister, Obiuos Chisala, Lusaka Province Minister, Philip Kosamu and Lusaka District Commissioner, Ashell Kampengele.

Church appeals to Acting President Guy Scott to exercise restraint in decisions

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Church appeals to Acting President Guy Scott to exercise restraint in decisions
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia executive director Pukuta Mwanza follows proceedings during the meeting to demand for the release of the draft Zambia constitution
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia executive director Pukuta Mwanza follows proceedings during the meeting to demand for the release of the draft Zambia constitution

The church has expressed sadness with some media reports about individuals who have started expressing interest to run for presidency in the Patriotic Front (PF).

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) says although the interested persons are free to exercise their democratic right to vie for any public office, the levels of interests are shocking.

EFZ executive director Pukuta Mwanza said he was disappointed with the timing at which these interests were being displayed noting that it showed disrespect to the late President Michael Sata.

Rev. Mwanza has since called on the PF to immediately address the problem of alleged power and succession wrangles so as to allow the late President to be put to rest in a dignified manner.

In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, he appealed to the acting President Guy Scott to exercise restraint in decisions being undertaken particularly within the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Rev. Mwanza has noted that the sending of messages of condolences by leaders of different political parties on the death of President Sata demonstrates patriotism and maturity.

He said Zambians must unit during and after the national mourning period thereby forming a firm foundation for peaceful political campaigns once the election date is announced.

In the past few hours, there have been squabbles in the ruling party with acting President Guy Scott firing PF secretary general Edgar Lungu from his position and reinstating him in less than one day.

And the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has appealed to political leaders to be prudent in their speech to avoid heightening the levels of tension in the country.

ZEC secretary general Cleophas Lungu said any attempts to gain political mileage were surely ill-timed, unZambian and unChristian.

Fr. Lungu said in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today that Zambians should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of the bereaved family.

And Fr. Lungu has appealed to Zambians to remain calm, respectful and peaceful as the nation continues to mourn the late President Michael Sata.

He said the nation should maintain calmness as it prepares to give President Sata a dignified send off.

Fr. Lungu expressed hope that as a peace loving and God fearing people, Zambians shall endeavor to avoid any acts of violence and politicking during the mourning period.

President Sata died last week on Tuesday in London where he was receiving medical treatment.

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