By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The ruling Patriotic Front Parliamentary Candidate for Kanchibiya Constituency in Muchinga Province Sunday Chanda, says it is not surprising to see Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema toying with Covid-19.
Mr Chanda says from the onset, the UPND leader has been a Covid-19 denialist, adding that even the UPND manifesto launch was full of Covid-19 denialists.
“According to the Ministry of Health, just yesterday, June 6, 2021, Zambia crossed the 100,000 mark for cumulatively confirmed Covid-19 cases, the country has witnessed an increase in the number of deaths with the third wave, therefore responsible political leadership calls for maximum responsibility as the nation battles with the current pandemic,” he said.
Mr Chanda added that it is therefore worrying that Mr Hichilema considers it a heroic act whenever he defies all health regulations and expert advice on Covid-19.
“Unfortunately even as the Police seek to bring about public order by preventing Covid-19 super spreaders such as roadshows and rallies, the UPND leader is constantly toying with Covid-19 and spreading cheap propaganda and falsehoods,” he said.
Mr Chanda said it is sad that Mr Hichilema continues to make outrageous assassination claims.
“The UPND now alleges that the Zambia Police planned on shooting him while on the Copperbelt , a claim the Inspector General has rubbished, this is not the first time Mr Hichilema is making such outrageous claims, such careless and cheap propaganda must be rejected by all well-meaning Zambians,” he said.
Mr Chanda added that citizens of goodwill must remind Mr Hichilema that misplaced and careless inflammatory statements could plunge society into chaos.
“Mr Hichilema must come out clear to condemn electoral violence being perpetuated by his supporters; Footage of cadres in his convoy releasing a catapult in the direction of police officers on the Copperbelt must receive the strongest condemnation by all citizens and stakeholders, in the same vein, the Zambia Police have an important duty to bring perpetrators and instigators to book,” he said.
