By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union (DU) president Ackim Antony Njobvu has commended Government for accepting the South African Supreme Court’s decision regarding the burial of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, saying the ruling clears the way for the late Head of State to be laid to rest.
“I commend Government for accepting the South African Supreme Court’s decision on President ECL’s burial. This ruling clears the path for our former Head of State to be laid to rest,” Njobvu said.
The former president died in South Africa earlier this year, and a legal dispute over repatriation and burial arrangements had been before South African courts. The Supreme Court ruling settled the matter, allowing for burial proceedings to move forward.
Njobvu urged political leaders to set aside partisan interests.
“I urge Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leaders to rise above politics, demonstrate leadership and encourage the Lungu family to return President Lungu’s body to Zambia,” he said.
He argued that Zambia was the rightful final resting place for the former president.
“He lived here, he served here, and he deserves to be buried here with the honour due to a former President,” Njobvu stated.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, a coalition linked to the former ruling Patriotic Front, has been involved in discussions with the Lungu family over funeral arrangements.
The Zambian government has previously said it would accord Lungu a state funeral in line with the benefits of former presidents, and has since said it would not appeal the latest ruling.
