. Mukuni

By CHILA NAMAIKO –
CHIEFS in Southern Province have endorsed the candidature of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema in the January 20 presidential election.
Speaking at a Press briefing at Golden Pillow Lodge in Monze yesterday, Chief Mukuni of Kazungula, who spoke on behalf of other chiefs, however, said the decision to endorse Mr Hichilema did not border on tribal lines
Chief Mukuni said the decision was arrived at after scrutinising all presidential candidates and found that Mr Hichilema was capable of fostering national development.
“As chiefs from this province, we have reluctantly decided to follow suit and make our choice known among the presidential candidates, that we have endorsed HH who is a better candidate among the contenders,” he said.
He said the chiefs in the province would back Mr Hichilema, citing Chief Mpezeni in Eastern Province who has also backed Patriotic Front (PF) presidential candidate Edgar Lungu.
Chiefs felt that Mr Hichilema was a vibrant and capable presidential candidate to improve the living standards of all Zambians once elected as President.
He, however, warned that if Mr Hichilema would not improve the status of chiefs in the country if he was elected as Head of State, the traditional leaders in the province would de-campaign him in the 2016 general elections
He alleged that chiefs had not been taken care of much by Government and now wanted a new type of leadership to take over national affairs.
In attendance at the occasion, were Chief Chikanta of Kalomo, Chief Singani of Choma, Chief Muchila of Namwala, Chief Simaamba of Siavonga and Chief Hamusonde of Mazabuka.