By: Ollus Ndomu
ZAMBIA’S immediate past President Edgar Chagwa Lungu became a subject of condemnation following his comments against his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking Tuesday at his residence in the capital, Lusaka, when his party, Patriotic Front Members of Parliament went to give solidarity to the former First Lady Esther Lungu who was expected to appear before the Drug Enforcement Commission for questioning over 15 flats suspected to be proceeds of crime, the seemingly fast aging Lungu said he did well to relinquish power to the other ‘guy’ [Hichilema] for people to see and compare leadership.
According to the embattled former President, many people had told him to resist handing over power because of low quality leadership in the then opposition that only sought power to prosecute others.
Lungu said Zambians were now able compare between his leadership and those he handed over power to, but called on Zambians stand up for democracy, pointing out that the new government was persecuting the opposition to prolong their stay in power.
The former leader has been running a public sympathy seeking ploy as calls to have his immunity lifted continue to mount.
But his latest comments in which he attacked Hichilema have stirred a backlash as Zambians now want him prosecuted for several crimes committed under his 7-year bloody regime.
A UK-based Zambian Socialite, Lilian Mutambo said:
” I wish I can sympathise with you sir but you failed us on many occassions…I only feel for mama Esther atleast she cried at one time but you sir, you have exhibited hypocrisy.”
“You let us down on many occasions, you stayed mute on caderism and it is shocking you are seeking public sympathy, the very same public you neglected! If only you had listened sir you would be President again,” added madam Mutambo.
Others like renowned Zambian televangelist, Rev. Walter Mwambazi, urged the former leader to avoid speaking to the media:
“Sometimes, the best answer is “no comment!” especially as a former head of state! Please Dr ECL, don’t ever agree to respond to random questions on camera, you may end up saying more than you bargained for!”
For two times now after leaving office, Lungu has caused public outrage every time he speaks to journalists but it is now quite vivid that he is still resentful for losing an election, while he lacks stamina to manage his anger and bitter without venting through cameras.
You could use the first photo on the cover if it’s alright man.
