No dialogue in midst of interference – PF
By Tony Nkhoma
RECONCILIATION between former president Edgar Lungu and President Hakainde Hichilema can only happen when the latter and the United Party for National Development (UPND) stop interfering in the operations of the former ruling party, Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general Raphael Nakachinda says.
Nakachinda said Hichilema and the UPND should also stop the malicious persecution and prosecution of members of the PF and the opposition in general.
He said failure to do that there could never be reconciliation.
The PF and Lungu could not reconcile with the same people who were in the forefront of persecuting the opposition.
“The demand for reconciliation can be one that is entertained by having the UPND stop interfering first of all with the party and stop maliciously persecuting and prosecuting members of the PF and opposition in general and stop trumping charges, basically which are politically motivated,” Nakachinda said.
Speaking in Lusaka Tuesday, Nakachinda said Hichilema and the UPND should stop trump up charges on members of the opposition which were politically motivated.
“So, whatever they are proposing and we’re also aware of the funds or money that has been released to try and get some people advance that agenda meant only and purely to save the interests of the UPND to continue staying in government,” he said.
Nakachinda said Lungu did not come to active politics to serve his interests or that of his family but the Zambian people.
He said Zambians were going through a lot because of the high cost of living brought by the poor policies of the UPND.
“As Patriotic Front and and Tonse [Alliance], such kind of discussions that are not genuine will never be welcomed. We know of some church organisations that will soon or have been deployed [to champion reconciliation],” said Nakachinda.
Last weekend, State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka was quoted by some media outlets as saying Hichilema was ready to consult Lungu on national issues for the benefit of the nation.
