Priest urges action gainst tribalists, nepotists
By Tony Nkhoma
PENALISE political parties and religious organisations that promote tribalism and nepotism, Catholic Priest Fr Gladson Phiri has urged government.
In an interview with The Mast, Fr Phiri warned that siding with one’s tribe in national matters might cost the country the much-earned peace and national motto of One Zambia One Nation.
Fr Phiri urged President Hakainde Hichilema to quickly denounce the rising tribal talk and nepotism in the country.
He said Hichilema should unapologetically condemn the rising tribal and nepotism practices, which threaten peace, social and economic development.
“The republican President, like he did on cadreism, should openly speak and condemn tribalism and nepotism to avoid hindrance on national development, unity, peace, justice and equal opportunities to national service delivery,” Fr Phiri said.
He urged government to enforce merit-based promotion and recruitment across all sectors rather than regional or ethnic favouritism.
“We need to enforce merit-based recruitments and promotions. The country must penalise all forms of political and religious tribalism and nepotism,” Fr Phiri said.
He said this would help national integration and strengthen the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other law enforcement agencies while adhering to their checks and balances.
He also challenged the media throughout the country to avoid tribal bias reporting, warning that such acts would lead to political and religious tension.
Fr Phiri called for continuous engagements with all religious institutions, the youth, community, and anti-tribalism and anti-nepotism movements to end the vice.
“The media in the country must at all costs avoid tribal biases. We must promote civic education on unity [John 17:21], which should be taught at Church, schools, and communities,” Fr Phiri said.
