By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
SENIOR chief Sailung’a of the Lunda-speaking people of Mwinilunga District in North-Western Province has urged his subjects and the entire province to rally behind the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.
Meanwhile, the traditional leader has threatened to deal decisively with politicians and any other persons who would attempt to cause confusion in his chiefdom in the run up to the elections in August.
“We must overwhelmingly support President Lungu for us to see development in the area. This area has lagged behind because people have a tendency of supporting the opposition who are not adding any value to our welfare. There is need for us to change the way we think,” Senior Chief Sailung’a said.
In an interview in Kanyikezhi area, he said Mr Lungu had gained support in the few months he had been Zambia’s President.
“What I am saying is that let us support the Government of the day for us to see development in our area especially that the current President means well for the people of this province,” he said.
He described the Patriotic Front (PF) administration as a listening Government, adding that instead of creating unnecessary tension, there was need to work with the Government to enable it implement various projects.
The chief said his chiefdom had many challenges ranging from poor roads, and lack of schools and health facilities, but that the engagement with Government had started bearing fruits.
By working closely with the Government, he negotiated for the upgrading of Kanyikezhi Primary School to a junior secondary, as well as the building of a health post.
The traditional leader said all that would be achieved because of dialogue with the Government.
He cautioned politicians against using provocative language, saying he would not condone anyone promoting unnecessary tension in his chiefdom.
“Zambia is a Christian nation, politicians shouldn’t divide the people by inciting them to break the law.
“I have instructed all village headmen in my area to flush out anyone who will engage in political violence,” he said.