. Hichilema

By SYLVESTER MWALE –
STATE House has challenged United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema to carry out a research to establish the whereabouts of Malawian Judge Lovemore Chikopa.
Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah said Mr Hichilema should desist from issuing disjointed political statements that would only erode his political image.
The UPND leader was widely quoted in some sections of the media during the week as saying that Judge Chikopa should be arrested for allegedly receiving an allowance when his work had not taken off.
The Malawian Judge was tasked by President Michael Sata to preside over a tribunal to investigate three Zambian judges on allegations of professional misconduct.
However, the tribunal has not started its work after the three Zambian judges went to court to stop the investigations, giving rise to speculations that the Malawian Judge was in Zambia for nothing.
But Mr Chella said Mr Hichilema should not stir subversive thoughts among unsuspecting citizens over issues that were straightforward.
The presidential spokesperson challenged Mr Hichilema to clearly state where in Zambia Judge Chikopa was, as alleged.
He said Mr Hichilema’s hostility towards President Sata would not help the opposition leader to win the presidential seat that he had been preoccupied with.
“President Sata wants Mr Hichilema to redefine his politics and help provide solutions to various challenges of the country,” Mr Chellah said.
Mr Chellah, however, noted that State House was comforted knowing very well that Mr Hichilema was no longer taken seriously by the Zambian people.
He said President Sata had demonstrated his resolute leadership and pursuit to develop Zambia politically, socially and economically.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Joseph Katema, who is also chief Government spokesperson, said on Friday that Mr Hichilema should be cited for contempt for commenting on a matter before the courts.