By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union (DU) leader Ackim Anthony Njobvu has observed that President Hakainde Hichilema should have given Zambians direction as to what happens next with regards former President Lungu’s funeral.
The head of state addressed the nation last night where he called for unity and peace among Zambians during Lungu’s funeral.
Government accorded the former President seven days of national mourning which is coming to an end, but yet citizens remain guessing as to what happens next following the battle between the Lungu family and government on the repatriation of the deceased’s remains and burial site.
Lungu’s family through their spokesperson Makebie Zulu have stated that they do not want government’s involvement in the process, and neither do they want President Hichilema next to the body of the former President who died last week Thursday in South Africa.
The tussle between government and Lungu’s family and leadership of the Patriotic Front has drawn widespread concerns from the church, traditional leaders and the general citizenry among others.
Among those that have raised concerns over the matter is president Njobvu of the DU.
Whilst commending Hichilema’s call for peace and unity during during his address Thursday night, Njobvu said what Zambians wanted was for the President to give direction on the matter.
Njobvu said in an interview that the President’s address was unfortunately, overdue, adding that he should have done so earlier when Lungu died.
“I think we all need to unite during this time of mourning especially that we desire to give a dignified send-off to our former President,” Njobvu said.
“But again I think the President was offside when he started talking about the law and persecuting those that are abrogating the law.
We understand that this needs to happen but it wasn’t supposed to come from the President.
“That is why he has his ministers who are supposed to do that, but it wasn’t right for the President to start issuing threats in that same message which was supposed to unite the nation,” he said.
Njobvu said it was expected of President Hichilema to take up the role of a fatherly figure and a sober stance despite what is being said about him by his opponents, adding that he (Hichilema) should focus on calming the tension caused by Lungu’s demise.
Meanwhile, Njobvu stated that the manner Lungu’s funeral is being handled is a huge embarrassment to the country, and that Zambia has been exposed to the international community.
He has attributed current events to “bad laws” which he said needed to be changed, adding that blame cannot only go to the UPND government alone, but current laws.
“Let us learn from this situation and begin to pass laws that are fair to everyone, including those we perceive to be our enemies. Let us pass laws that are in the interest of the nation,” Njobvu said, in reference to the debate of Presidential privileges.
The opposition leader said it is disappointing government and Lungu’s family are yet to find an amicable solution on the matter so that the former President can be laid to rest and the country moves on.
