. Lungu

By DELPHINE ZULU
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says his Government is not bothered by detractors who believe in sowing seeds of hatred and divisions to win an election.
Mr Lungu said he was, however, comforted by the clever Zambians who would not be swayed by such narrow-minded and the deceitful agenda of believing that to win an election, they must become personally disagreeable.
“We have no time to waste and the Patriotic Front (PF) remains unstoppable in its quest for a better Zambia, and our detractors must hear it loud and clear, seleni tubombeko (move we work),” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu said this during the PF Meet The President Fundraising Dinner  at Mulungunshi International Conference Centre on Thursday night.
The Head of State said the seven months of his presidency had been characterised by both moments of success and tough decisions aimed at serving the best interests of the nation and ensure that the dividends accrued to all Zambians.
The President said the PF could proudly say it had passed the test of leadership transition without any influence from abhorred vices such as tribe and other discrimination.
“Contrary to lies and distortions by our opponents and enemies of progress, PF has not drifted from what made it relevant to the vast majority of the Zambian people. We have not lost sight of our vision as framed in the founding years of the party,” Mr Lungu said.
He said his party had a strong foundation that had remained unparalleled by any political party because it was a people’s movement which could be seen from the seven parliamentary victories and massive defections of new members, describing it as a sign of good tidings.
“We are not allergic to objective criticism but we have a duty to defend the truth, by ensuring that foot soldiers without exception have the necessary tools in their work to promote and defend the ideas of the party,” he said.
Mr Lungu said it was possible to have a united Zambia, free from scandalous, malicious and hate speeches and where everyone felt at home.
“As President, I am strongly convinced that we must do more for our youths, including mentorship programmes to make it easier for young people to venture into entrepreneurship. Zambia has no excuse but to raise a generation of entrepreneurship,” Mr Lungu said.
He said his Government was also working at more permanent solutions to diversify the sources of energy to solar, wind and thermal energies as could be seen from the Government’s decision to roll out 400,000 solar-powered milling plants in all the 10 provinces.
PF national chairperson Ngosa Simbyakula said the ruling party was mobilising itself in readiness for 2016 general elections.
He said since Mr Lungu took over the party, he had demonstrated that besides being a transformational leader, he was a great unifier and one who had placed the interests of the country first.
“As the captain of our great ship, you have mastered the art of navigating the waters and no matter the storm, PF shall continue as a beacon of hope and a home for Zambians,” he said.
Vice-President Inonge Wina said the PF media and publicity committee had been trying to organise the function way back when he was elected but had been too busy.
Patriotic Front (PF) media and publicity committee vice-chairperson, Sunday Chanda urged Mr Lungu to ignore criticisms about his suits because it would not bring food on the tables of those who elected him.
“The best is for you to concentrate on taking development to the people of Zambia than focusing on malicious agendas,” he said.
Mr Lungu’s black hat during the dinner was auctioned at K100,000 and US$10,000 while the bowtie went for K10,000, his portrait whilst in the library at K45,000 and another with his wife at K59,000.
Several companies pledged various amounts to support the ruling party while PF T-shirts and shirts were auctioned at various prices.