.LIFWEKELO

By CHARITY MOONGA –

THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has disassociated itself from the statement attributed to one of its senior party officials on the removal of President Edgar Lungu’s immunity after he leaves office.
UPND deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo said in Lusaka yesterday that the removal of President Lungu’s immunity was not the UPND pre-occupation or desire.
“We remain strongly against the removal of immunity against those that occupy the highest office in the land. The UPND will allow the rule of law to follow those that will be found wanting,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
The rebuff comes in the wake of the statement attributed in some sections of the media to UPND advisor to the party president, Douglas Syakalima that the party would remove Mr Lungu’s immunity once he left office.
Mr Syakalima said this was so because of the manner Mr Lungu had handled the matter involving suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mutembo Nchito.
“We wish to state that the statement attributed to the removal of President Lungu’s immunity is not a party position but a mere personal opinion. The party firmly believes in the rule of law and respect of
our former Presidents,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
This is the position the UPND took when former President Rupiah Banda’s immunity was removed and party president Hakainde Hichilema was on record of having stood firmly against that.
The UPND believes that Zambia had enough laws to deal with corruption and abuse of authority by those occupying the highest office in the land.
“We shall allow the rule of law to follow those that will be found wanting and we remain committed to the fight against corruption. Under the UPND, there shall be no sacrificial lambs or a selective way of
fighting corruption,” Mr Lifwekelo said.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to provide quality leadership and assist address many social and economic challenges affecting the country.
UPND would also address gender imbalances and commended Government for appointing more women to decision making positions.