The President of Zambia Mr. Lungu has put it on record that “He will not interfere with the judicial process in Mr. Hichilema’s case. He will allow the law to take it’s own course.” It is a grand statement with regards to separation of powers in a democratic state like Zambia.
However, the President is not a mere spectator in this matter, he is an active participant who together with his party have been injured by the actions of the UPND since the last general elections.
Although we do not support the UPND on a number of issues such as the Kuomboka standoff, Mps walking out of parliament and constitutional issues surrounding their petition, we still maintain that the treason charge is too extreme.
We also condemned the house break in by state police during his arrest. Further, the transfer of Mr. Hichilema to Mukobeko Maximum Prison is pure persecution. We also take great exception at the manner Mr. Hichilema is being treated, he should be treated with a certain level of respect.
The unleashing of the law on political opponents is not a new weapon. It has been used before the dawn of democracy and it’s institutions.
It was used by the ancient kings of old, from Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Shaka Zulu, King Soul of Israel, Ceaser Augustus, (Infact the Roman and Shaka Empires perfected it) to Napoleon, Hitler, Pinochet, Abacha, Amin and not forgetting our founding President Dr. Kaunda.
Infact it was the law that sent Madiba and his comrades to prison for almost 3 decades. It is the law that sent Kaunda, Kapwepwe, and other nationalists from our mother land to prison. It was the law that gave the whites to own black slaves.
It was the law that established colonial rule in Africa, India/ Asia, Oceania and South America. It was the law that took away the right for an indigenous to vote.
The law maybe in President Lungu and PF’s favour but it will not certainly achive;
1. National Unity. Every well meaning Zambian will tell you that our nation is too polarised both economically and politically. True national unity is a prerequisite for peace and national prosperity.
2. It will not win President Lungu & PF votes. Every seasoned politician knows that in a democracy every vote counts. I firmly believe that, the reconciliation of President Mwanawasa and Mr. Sata then projected him ( Mr. Sata) to become the next President of Zambia.
In the light of that reconciliation we saw a nationalist in Mr. Sata. President Mwanawasa was much respected and loved by his people. The nation had a breath of fresh air.
3. Establish President Lungu’s reign and legacy. The legacy of Madiba is not in the 27 years in prison but in uniting his fellow countrymen in forgiveness and reconciliation.
The legacy and democratic credentials of President Lungu is at stake. Already Zambia’s image is being battered. The countries democratic tenets have been questioned. President Lungu is being branded as a soft dictator who is silencing opponents.
4. Entrench Christian values in the nation. President Lungu has openly shown his faith in God much to the delight of Zambians. He further declared an annual day for prayer and reconciliation which was heavily supported by Zambians despite being mocked by the international community. President Lungu should lead by example once more.
5. Bring out the best in us. Already we have seen what Mr. Hichilema’s issue has done to the PF Deputy Secretary General Madam Mumbi Phiri. We have also experienced acts of economic sabotage such as burning of markets and public buildings. One needs only to read comments on facebook to see that this issue is bringing out the worst from our people.
6. It makes us weaker as a people. It is evident that strange ‘men and institutions’ with selfish vested interests both from within and outside the country have taken advantage of this crisis. They are busy pushing their agendas at the expense of ordinary Zambians.
Mr. Hichilema’s debacle will not be sorted out at law, it needs a political solution that goes beyond feelings of pain and retribution. It’s a higher calling but within reach.
Release Mr. Hichilima unconditionally for the good of Zambia, let there be reconciliation between PF and UPND. We are one people.
Jackson Silavwe
Party Leader
Golden Progressive Party
