Victory is certain next year, says Lubinda
By Tony Nkhoma
THE country is in its darkest moments under President Hakainde Hichilema, Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda has said.
Addressing the media shortly after acting Chief Resident Magistrate Irene Wishimanga convicted former Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Malanji and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba yesterday, Lubinda said victory was certain for the opposition next year.
Lubinda urged Zambians should not lose hope for a better Zambia.
He said opposition members were endangered species under the United Party for National Development (UPND) regime, adding that one could be sent to prison for just thinking.
Lubinda said Hichilema and his government had placed all PF members and the entire opposition as potential targets for arrests and jailing.
“For what you say, he can jail you. And now, even if you think, this man can send you to prison. Under the governance of UPND, unfortunately, even your thoughts, just your thoughts, can lead you to prison, then know that you are in deep trouble,” Lubinda said.
He praised his members for offering solidarity to jailed Yamba and Malanji.
“My message to you is that it is darkest before dawn. Don’t be disheartened. Don’t be discouraged. The solidarity that you continue to give to one another is extremely heartening. It is in moments like this when we need each other. Fredson Yamba and Joe Malanji needed us today,” he said.
Lubinda urged PF members countrywide to take a keen interest in what was happening to their fellow members.
“Take an interest in matters that affect us as individuals and that affect us as a party. We cannot claim to love the party if we don’t love members of the party. None of us in the Patriotic Front is free; none of the opposition membership is free. All of us are potential victims of the ruthless UPND regime. This administration is brutal, and we need to stand together,” Lubinda said.
He said a conviction in a lower court was not the finality of the justice system.
Lubinda said the PF was still strong, urging members to continue mobilising ahead of the 2026 elections.
“All we can do ourselves is to pray. It is biblical for us to visit prisoners. Show love to one another and mobilise the party. Let us remain united so that we defeat the UPND regime. So that we show the Zambian people that there is hope. It is our duty in the Patriotic Front to give hope to the Zambian people,” Lubinda said.
Lubinda said the people of Zambia had put their hope in the PF for liberation.
“And that soon and very soon, you will bring a new liberation. A second independence. Unfortunately, we have to fight in the same manner that our forefathers fought for a second liberation from an evil leadership and regime. The UPND is evil,” he said.
Lubinda said victory next year was certain, urging members not to break.
“That I can assure you. Victory is certain. No matter how hard it gets. By pressurising us, they think they are breaking us. Let us prove to them that we are getting stronger by the day,” Lubinda said.
