Mundubile, Makebi resurrect ‘Broken Hill’

…pledge that they will not victimise, persecute President Hichilema, as they continue to promise to review cyber laws, empower the youths, market traders and civil servants as supporters chanted ‘we want change

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema, UPND leaders and their supporters will not be persecuted, harassed, tormented victimized or demonized as they have done in the five years they have been in government  after losing power in the August 13 general election, Brian Mundubile has pledged.

Addressing yet another mamoth rally in Kabwe yesterday after the Kitwe one, Mr Mundubile said his administration would pursue national unity and reconciliation rather than vengeance.

The former Mporokoso Member of Parliament told the cheering crowd that although the alliance was confident of victory, there would be no persecution of political opponents once in government.

“Remember, myself and Makebi are both lawyers. UPND, do not fear about losing power because you are indeed losing the August 13 general election. We shall not take the route you took when you formed government of harassing political opponents. We shall not exaxt revenge, victimize or indeed persecute you as you have been doing in your five years in government,” Mr Mundubile said.

“Do not start packing your bags. We will not harass you even when you lose. So, do not run away. You, President Hakainde Hichilema, have served us as our President and we will not harass you. We will keep you well. I will even provide a plane for you to travel. You are my brother,” he said.

Mr Mundubile observed a moment of silence in honour of late former President Edgar Lungu and former Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Tutwa Ngulube.

He thanked residents of Central Province for what he termed a warm reception and pledged that a Tonse-Pamodzi government would focus on the welfare of youths, farmers, marketeers, transport operators and civil servants.

Mr Mundubile said one of the alliance’s priorities would be reviewing the Cyber Security laws, which he said had restricted freedoms of expression and association.

“We will give you the right to be free. We will review the cyber laws. Even the clergy are scared to properly preach because they receive police visits if their sermons do not sit well with Government,” he said.

He also promised support for youths involved in small-scale mining and pledged to review legislation governing foreign investment.

“No police officer or soldier will point a gun at you for merely doing lawful things to earn a living,” Mr Mundubile said.

And Makebi Zulu, the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential running mate said the UPND regime had caused the cost of living to sky rocket and accused it of failing to deliver meaningful change despite its promises.

“PF has been accused of being thieves, yet the cost of living was affordable during its time in government. We heard all your cries and that is why we decided to offer ourselves for leadership,” Mr Zulu said.

He promised that a Tonse-Pamodzi administration would be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

Several alliance leaders also addressed the gathering.

Artiste Mulenga Kapwepwe called for politics of love and reconciliation, saying Zambia needed unity rather than division.

“The last five years were spent in anger. What we need is love and not hatred,” she said.

Former Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya challenged voters to reflect on their living conditions.

“Do you have enough meals? Are there medicines in hospitals? You know where you are going,” he said.