. Sichalwe

By JAMES KUNDA in KABOMPO –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has cautioned traditional leaders against abrogating the country’s laws, as they will not be spared by the law.
The President said Zambia was governed by laws and regulations which not even he himself was above.
Mr Lungu was speaking yesterday when he met three people seeking recognition as Kabompo chiefs.
These were only indentified as a Mr Kang’ombe, Mr Mwandumba and a Mr Mwandala, all claiming to be overseers of a section of a Nkoya clan as early settlers in the region.
“Whether a chief is gazzetted or not, if they break the law, they won’t be spared because not even the President is above the law,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu said the Government was committed to working with all traditional leaders in improving the welfare of Zambians.
He assured the trio that he would maintain peace and unity in the country for the safety of people and property.
The President said the Government was no longer responsible for recognising chiefs but he would delegate Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Lawrence Sichalwe to meet the trio and see how they could be aided.
Mr Kang’ombe said that people in the area would continue supporting the Head of State and his administration.
Meanwhile, Mr Lungu has assured the people of Kabompo that they will not be left behind in Government’s development agenda.
He said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government was in power to serve all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.
The President said this yesterday when he addressed a multitude of Kabompo residents who turned up to welcome him on arrival at the Kabompo airstrip.
“Thank you for welcoming me; whether you came out of curiosity or just to welcome me, I’m happy,” President Lungu said. “I want to work with the whole country because I’m a President for all of you and no one will be left behind.”
Mr Lungu promised to visit all the districts in the region the next time he would visit North-Western Province.