Opposition unite, mourn ECL
By George Zulu and Tony Nkhoma
FORMER president Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s death has forced opposition political party leaders throughout the country to reflect on the need for national unity.
Socialist Party president Dr Fred M’membe said Lungu’s declared intention for coming out of political retirement was to unite the opposition.
He said the opposition should strive to honour the late former president by uniting all political and social struggles and ultimately the entire nation.
In his message of condolence, Dr M’membe urged Zambians and politicians to mourn the late former president in unity, peace and dignity.
He described the late former president as an easy person to associate with who never kept grudges, hence the desire to reconcile with him.
“Mr Lungu was a brother and a friend whom I have known for the last 47 years. We always referred to each other as ‘Mwana’ – whatever that means or meant. Even amidst very complicated political differences and fallouts, we remained guided by the reality that we were once very close brothers and very good friends, hence the desire to reconcile,” Dr M’membe said.
He said despite being President, Lungu never allowed the title to destroy the friendship they built 47 years ago.
Dr M’membe explained that Lungu was a humble and down-to-earth man whose attitude made him more acceptable to many Zambians.
Leadership Movement (LM) president Dr Richard Silumbe expressed shock at the demise of former president Lungu describing him a rock for peace and stability.
Dr Silumbe urged Zambians, all political players and traditional leaders to reflect on the contributions the late former president did for Zambia.
“We are here to mourn our late former president, ECL was a rock for Zambia, he led us through the most difficult period of Covid, he needs a befitting funeral, he was a man of the people. He stood firm in the face of adversity, maintained peace in times of tension, and ensured democratic continuity during some of Zambia’s most trying times. His legacy will forever live on in the history of our country, remembered by all Zambians for generations to come,” he said.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) president Saboi Imboela said she was heartbroken by the news of the untimely passing of Lungu.
Imboela said the death of Lungu was a huge tragic loss which had left a deep wound in the hearts of many Zambians.
“Dr Lungu was more than just a President he was a symbol of calm leadership, a guardian of peace, and a true son of the soil whose dedication to the unity and stability of Zambia touched the lives of many across political, ethnic, and religious lines. He led with a quiet strength and fatherly humility, always placing the interests of the Zambian people above self,” she said.
Imboela said the country was devastated beyond words, adding that Lungu’s humility and an ear to listen would be greatly missed.
“…a father and a man whose compassion and humility made him loved by both the mighty and the lowly. His absence will be deeply felt in every corner of our land, from the corridors of power to the ordinary streets where his name was known and spoken with respect and admiration,” she said.
Imboela said in his absence, many now recognised Lungu as a leader who meant well for Zambia, a man who willingly gave up his retirement benefits and comfort and chose to share in the struggles of ordinary citizens in the hope of delivering them to a better future.
“Sadly, he is no more. Zambia now mourns as a nation without a living former Head of State to turn to for wisdom and guidance. The wisdom and guidance he gracefully gave to us in the opposition. We have lost our biggest uniting force. Yet, in all things, we surrender to the will of the Almighty God, trusting Him to comfort and carry this nation forward,” she said.
All People’s Congress president Nason Msoni described the death of Lungu as shocking and unbelievable.
