THE call by President Edgar Lungu for traditional leaders to play a prime role of ensuring that Zambians remain united under the ‘One Zambia One Nation’ motto should be supported by all well-meaning Zambians.
As the country goes to the polls on August 11 this year, it is cardinal that Zambians remain united even after the elections.
It is important for all of us to uphold the country’s motto by observing peace during and after the general elections.
In today’s publication, President Lungu has challenged the House of Chiefs to use its influence to foster unity in the country and denounce power-hungry politicians peddling tribalism and regional politics in an effort to ascend to power.
The Head of State is disturbed that politics of hate speech being championed by some political players has the potential to dissuade the spirit of togetherness that Zambians have enjoyed since Independence.
This was raised when the Head of State met Chief Chikanta, Chief Singani and Chief Sinazongwe, all of Southern Province in Choma yesterday.
The President’s views on tribal talk, as shared by many, is that it is becoming a detrimental factor to development.
Such was even unheard of during the reign of first Republican president Kenneth Kaunda.
Politics is not about insults, tribal talk or use of hate speech.
Thus the role of the House of Chiefs is crucial in assisting the country maintain a peaceful environment by denouncing anyone promoting such a vice.
Mr Lungu stated – I am appealing to you (Chiefs) to help us get back to the days of KK (Dr Kaunda) when we didn’t have these tribal talks and hate speeches – this is also an indication that traditional leaders can influence any form of change in society but this time, this change should focus in taming tribal and hate speech.
Zambia is one family and no tribe should be sidelined, especially that we have inter-marriages among various tribes and, in some cases, among different races and denominations.
For instance, we have Luvales that are married to Bembas or Tongas married to Namwangas and so on and so forth, and if tribal inclinations are encouraged, where do their offspring belong?
This is a major question that should linger in the minds of all citizens before they think of uttering a tribal word or encouraging tribalism.
We echo President Lungu’s words that “there are both bad and good people who are Tonga, Bemba, Kaonde but Zambia is bigger than all of us.”
It is in this line that we commend the traditional leaders in Southern Province for embracing Mr Lungu and denying reports that the area is a no-go zone for the President and the Patriotic Front (PF) contrary to views in some sections of society.
We call upon not only chiefs but all stakeholders, including political party leaders to emulate the Head of State and preach love, peace and unity to their sympathisers and followers.
The media should also remain a key partner in fostering national unity and development and refrain from reporting issues bordering on character assassination.
Media houses should at all times be overboard and reject messages that promote tribalism for the sake of national unity and patriotism.
Let us ensure that we are not divided, but remain united. Let us love one another because, after all, we are ‘One Zambia One Nation’.