…as he advises HH to prepare his departure speech
By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has cautioned the electorates to be careful with some UPND members of parliament who have declared interest to contest in recently created constituencies, especially rural – based, warning that most of them have failed to deliver in their current constituencies.
And Njobvu has projected that MPs hoping to relocate to rural constituencies for an “easier” race are in for a shock, saying people were disappointed with the performance of majority members of parliament.
Speaking after a visit to Rufunsa to “appreciate the situation firsthand,” Njobvu said the message on the ground was blunt: _“takapite HH. “The wounds are fresh. The farmers are still upset,” he said.
The opposition leader was referring to allegations of government “mistreatment” of farmers in the recently concluded maize marketing season. Over 8,000 families in Rufunsa were evicted during the rainy season.
The situation in Rufunsa constituency, he added, is “even more complicated.” The UPND government evicted thousands of residents from land they had occupied for more than 20 years, claiming it is a Game Management Area.
However, there are allegations that the land has been sold to a foreign investor for mining purposes.
Allegedly, Njobvu said; “The eviction of approximately 8,000 families and the destruction of their property during the rainy season is very barbaric and should never be allowed in this country”.
Njobvu has since engaged the affected communities, who have pledged to support leadership that defends rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Njobvu has appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene on the Rufunsa issue.
“Mr President, even as you prepare to vacate office in August 2026, please look into the plight of the people in Mukumba and Msenga area in Rufunsa/ Lower Zambezi. Your legacy has been tainted and risk being defined by these actions,” he pleaded.
Njobvu added; “After meeting several affected families, I had a chat with Headwoman Chikoloma, who has a direct appeal to you, Mr President. Regrettably, if you intend to win the coming elections, you will need image builders. But as the saying goes, Ntau Kulibe -there is no time”.
Njobvu has otherwise, advised President Hichilema to start preparing handover notes, and pave way for a new Zambia with the DU on the driver’s seat.
