President Lungu’s Full Speech to the Nation on the Declaration Relating to Threatened Emergency

July 5, 2017 39 views 100 Share Headlines President Lungu's Full Speech to the Nation on the Declaration Relating to... President Lungu Fellow Countrymen and Women, As a country, we have enjoyed peace and tranquillity since independence in 1964. Through this peace, we, as a people have been able to build this country to be in a position to provide education, health and other socio-economic amenities in order to ensure that each and every citizen is able to live a life as foreseen by our forefathers. In the last fifty-three (53) years since our independence, Zambia has remained a beacon of peace at regional, continental and international levels. This peace we have enjoyed has not come by accident but through our collective responsibility as a people expressed in our motto of “one Zambia, One Nation”. This is emphasised in our national values and principles highlighted in our constitution namely; morality and ethics; patriotism and national unity; democracy and constitutionalism; human dignity, equity, social justice, equality and non-discrimination; good governance and integrity; and sustainable development. We acknowledge the supremacy of god almighty and have declared the republic a christian nation while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion. These values and principles have helped us remain a unitary, multi-party and democratic sovereign state. Country Men and women, It is saddening that the peace and tranquillity we have cherished this long is slowly being eroded because of a few unpatriotic citizens who have decided to involve themselves in criminal activities thereby endangering the lives and properties of many citizens. The means to secure their livelihood, which in most cases comes with a lot of sacrifices is slowly being compromised in the recent past. In the past few months, the country has experienced unexplained fire out breaks and vandalism of strategic installations bordering on economic sabotage. Country Men and women, You will recall that in august, 2016, tambalala market in bauleni in Lusaka was gutted. This was followed by the gutting of the mongu local court in early 2017. In april, 2017, luburma market was set ablaze. In the same month, a person was apprehended for attempting to set ablaze the intercity bus terminus in Lusaka. In a related event, four (4) youths were arrested outside the Lusaka central correctional facility with substances capable of causing a fire. On may 1, 2017, Kafue district education board offices were gutted and two (2) containers of petrol were found at the scene. On 1st june, 2017, 10, 000 households were affected in Ndola following the destruction of the zesco electricity pylons. This was followed by a similar act where citizens and industries serviced by the Kafue west – Lusaka west line were affected by the destruction of the zesco pylons. Just yesterday, Lusaka city market, the country’s largest market was gutted and property worth millions of Kwacha was destroyed. Simultaneously, a fire erupted at Lusaka’s misisi township market whose target it would seem, was to damage the zesco pylons. Fellow Country Men and Women, You will appreciate that the recent gutting of markets will have untold misery on the poor traders and their families whose livelihoods is largely dependant on the existence of the market. This therefore calls for government to formulate intervening measures to alleviate their suffering. I wish to announce that a committee of ministers has been formed to be chaired by the vice-president which in due course will provide details on the form and nature of assistance that will be provided to those affected. Apart from the Lusaka city market, I have also requested the committee to superintend over the rebuilding of the markets that have been affected in a similar nature. I, therefore, call upon the business community, all well-meaning zambians and residents to support this initiative in whatever form practical. In order to ensure transparency and accountability, all forms of support financial, material or otherwise will be coordinated through the vice-president’s office of which details will be published shortly. Fellow Country Men and Women, These events are not mere acts of spontaneous criminality but premeditated acts which if left unchecked could have serious socio-economic consequences capable of drawing the country backwards. As government, you the people have given us the mandate to preside over the affairs of this nation. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that each and every person in this country enjoys the freedom and protection as enshrined in our constitution. Following these sad events, my government has decided to invoke article 31 of the republican constitution which guides how a nation should deal with an existing situation which, if allowed to continue may lead to a state of public emergency. There is no doubt in my mind that the intentions of the perpetrators of these irresponsible actions is to make the country ungovernable. As president of this nation, it is my responsibility to respond accordingly to forestall this planned chaos and I will therefore not tolerate this lawlessness. As government, we have repeatedly advised our nationals to desist from any irresponsible behaviour and criminality but it would appear that this has fallen on deaf ears. Therefore, practical measures as outlined tonight have had to be invoked. Fellow Country Men and Women, By the powers vested in me by the constitution of Zambia, I have issued a statutory instrument proclaiming that a situation exists which, if allowed to continue may lead to a state of public emergency. This will be tabled in the national assembly in line with article 31(2) for approval. It is my sincere hope that the members of parliament will rise to the occasion. This is not an easy decision to make, but in order to preserve peace, tranquillity, safety of our citizens and national security, we had no choice but to take this decision given the events that have occurred in the recent past. The primary responsibility of government is to protect life and property in our nation. I wish to emphasise that all law abiding citizens will not be impacted by this decision and should continue to go about their daily routines normally. I will ensure that the measures to be taken under this proclaimation will not inconvenience law abiding citizens. Therefore, this proclaimation should not instil fear among our citizens but instead provide a sense of comfort and security. In conclusion, I appeal to all citizens and the business community to cooperate with government as this proclaimation takes effect. We will continue to evaluate issues surrounding national security on a regular basis. Previous article Government Reaction to Fires should result into curtailing human rights of citizens-FODEP Next article Article 31 Declaration Relating to Threatened Emergency 100 comments Chisenga July 5, 2017 At 9:07 pm Romans 13:1-5 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the… Ichalo Lifupa.. July 5, 2017 At 9:25 pm Wrong move ECL. This is going to create mistrust amongst Zambians. I hope parliament throws this out. As for you PF, you have just lost your chance to govern again post 2021. Zambia needs a brave, caring, upright and someone who can give direction. What is going to happen is that some media platforms will be closed; Zambians will be locked up without trial; monies will be diverted to security; there will be no human rights in zambia and some Zambians will disappear without trace. This could also lead to elections not being held in 2021. In short, this is a dictatorship in disguise. God bless Zambia Ichalo Lifupa... July 5, 2017 At 9:29 pm Wrong move ECL. This is going to create mistrust amongst Zambians. I hope parliament throws this out. As for you PF, you have just lost your chance to govern again post 2021. Zambia needs a brave, caring, upright and someone who can give direction. What is going to happen is that some media platforms will be closed; Zambians will be locked up without trial; monies will be diverted to security; there will be no human rights in zambia and some Zambians will disappear without trace. This could also lead to elections not being held in 2021. In short, this is a dictatorship in disguise. God bless Zambia Nubian Princess July 5, 2017 At 9:30 pm Threats will not stop these amoebas! Charge them with high Treason. They are worse that HH! Senior Citizen July 5, 2017 At 9:32 pm Your Excellency President E.C Lungu, we are with you in best national interest. it is our patriotic duty to stand up against any act of subversion, arson and sabotage. These are heinous crimes of terror directed on the public we cannot insulate. The criminals behind this wave of terror are no different Timothy McVeigh the local terrorist that boomed Oklahoma Federal building in 1995. The US responded by executing him as a misfit of society. Let’s add these crimes into non pardonable crimes category. Otherwise, we risk local terrorists market thriving unabated. Senior Citizen July 5, 2017 At 9:50 pm These cowardly acts of bombing, burning, subverting and terrorizing innocent Zambians cannot be defended by and rational mind. They are acts of terrorism that must be purged immediately with precision. How does a normal person defend bombers of markets, water pipelines, electric systems and any vital national asset? These are acts of terrorism that do not fly with solidarity in a contemporary society. Wanzelu July 5, 2017 At 10:00 pm F00lish has declared state of emergency as a cover to ldisregard due process and govern by decree. Most f00lish PF cadres do not understand what this means. They are just celebrating any nonsense Lungu comes up with in an effort destroy democracy in Zambia. Very soon Lungu will use the powers he has given himself to settle scores against any one he sees as a threat. I mean any one. Mostly PF guys will be in trouble. Anyone who wants to win favours from Lungu will just go to Lungu and lie about the fellow PF member so that Lungu can fire them and arrest them. Those close to Lungu should now be very careful. They will not be Lungu ‘s friends for ever. First one to be targeted is Kaiser Zulu. What will he do, even if he threatens to spill the beans now that Lungu is the Judge and… 50 Cent July 5, 2017 At 10:06 pm This is what happens when you steal an election. Why declare an emergency. Even when captain Solo was on radio saying he had taken over, we never declared an emergency. If anything you should fire all the heads of security wings because they have failed to protect the country! Oh I forgot they know something about how PF won the last election! Not to mention they went and arrested an opposition leader who has almost 50% following of the electorate without any prior investigation! What was that about. Last bit not the least, the Zambian God is an honest God, a god for all Zambians, if PF won the election through fraud, then you won’t be in power for long. Wanzelu July 5, 2017 At 10:19 pm So many fires have been happened in Zambia under PF and no one has been arrested so far. The fact that no one has been arrested means one thing only and that is it s PF behind these fires so that Lungu could introduce a state of emergency. I have said it before, propping up a dictator is a very dangerous move because even those who feel that they are close to Lungu should now tread very carefully because the man has given himself more powers do anything he pleases without fear or accountability. To gain more power dictators start by killing or dealing with those close to them because they are the ones who can kill them first. So Amos Chanda and Kaiser Zulu should enjoy their last moments now for their lives are in Lungu s hands and he will exterminate them very soon when he feels… Wanzelu July 5, 2017 At 10:24 pm Listen to this id10t of a president saying to protect life, when he has sent his PF thugs to butcher morners at the grave yards. Wanzelu July 5, 2017 At 10:24 pm Lungu will die like a dog very soon! 1 TIME TO LET GO AND HEAL July 5, 2017 At 10:26 pm These acts we are seeing did NOT just come out of thin air it’s a culmination of bad seeds of discord that have been planted in people’s minds over a period of time. When you tell people that ”we’ll not accept the elections results” or ”there will be Armageddon what do you think that does to the people? Unfortunately to this day some people still ride on those pronouncements. So many organisations have declared past elections free and fair, what is so difficult about putting this matter aside and let the country heal and move forward. One shouldn’t be so hard hearted. It’s time we let go and begin a new page for the sake of mother Zambia. Even the so called mother bodies, what have you done to get people to accept results? This is where I miss Sata MHSRP, he did not hold on to election… TIME TO LET GO AND HEAL July 5, 2017 At 10:27 pm ………. This is where I miss Sata MHSRP, he did not hold on to election grudges this long, he loved Zambia and it showed. THE PRINCE July 5, 2017 At 10:35 pm PF are the supporters of these fires in Zambia just to blame UPND. We know these old tricks. Lungu should not be voted for come 2021. He has failed and is not a good leader. He has killed democracy in Zambia, let PF have another candidate enough nonsense with this man and his MMD ministers. Nostradamus July 5, 2017 At 10:40 pm This too weak!!! Guys stop insulting Edgar, if he is president or not just stop. What wrong has Edgar done, except allowing himself ukumubelesha by his own workers? Stop insulting him. Lipkwa July 5, 2017 At 10:43 pm This is really sad. If at all that fire was a result of arson, what is the duty of the police? Any way Zambians are used to be treated like babies. Thus, most of them will accept that stupidity without questioning. Already one has alluded to the Timothy McVeigh’s case as an example. This is a bad analogy. Did what happened in Zambia be compared to that act of terrorism in Oklahoma? The Zambian incidence does not warranty a declaration of state emergency. Ntaulu July 5, 2017 At 10:46 pm Chisenga, this is dictatorship. Those of us who were sensible enough during Kk’s time know where this will lead to. ECL needs to be ready to kiss bye to State House. Jay Jay July 5, 2017 At 10:58 pm “By the powers vested in me by the constitution of Zambia, I have issued a statutory instrument ……. if allowed to continue may lead to a state of public emergency. This will be tabled in the national assembly in line with article 31(2) for approval. It is my sincere hope that the members of parliament will rise to the occasion.” When we vote for myopic leaders you get mediocre discussions like above…this is the lazy guy who on airport tarmacs laughed stating that there was no tension…today the foool is giving us a timeline of trouble. These tins have planned all this from sudden suspension of opposition MPs to not allowing Police carry out proper investigations, now he wants this tabled by NA full of his MPs….Its just a real shame that the young ones cheering on social media… Jay Jay July 5, 2017 At 11:01 pm CONT’D social media have never live under a Police State…I could be picked up by Police if I was in the country for this for no reason for posting anything. general Kanene July 5, 2017 At 11:46 pm I thought some people on this forum were saying there was no tension in Zambia, blindly following… What is up now, we have state of emergency, and to a certain extent, it’s everyone will be affected, unfortunately. I see want to see the smiles of those people who were vehemently defending the fact that there was no tension everything is okay and enjoying peace. Lungu Banda Forkwell July 5, 2017 At 11:50 pm As expected, ECL moves on as anticipated on the march to destroy Zambia. How did fate enable this shoddy man to disable the future of this country? Wanzelu July 6, 2017 At 12:23 am Folks the rumour has already started circulating that one PF cadres involved in setting the market alight is angry because the money promised to them has not been given apart from being taken for a drink by Mumbi Phiri. This PF cadre by the name of Muzo is threatening to spill the beans if he is not given the full amount of money. Each one was promised K500,000. Munzanvelako in the coming days. They say there is no honour amongst criminals! Peter July 6, 2017 At 3:32 am GREAT, GREAT, GREAT. THIS IS A GREAT DECISION, THOUGH UNDERSTANDABLY DIFFICULT ONE. THAT’S WHY THAT LAW IS THERE- IT’S TO USE IT WHEN PEOPLE ARE TAKING HATE, BITTERNESS AND TRIBALISM TO ANOTHER LEVEL. WE CAN’T FAULT YOU ON THIS STEP YOU HAVE TAKEN, ECL. BAYA SANA, ABA BANTU. BALEFWAYO KUTEKE CALO, “KUMUNGA WE FWAFWA”. LET ALL THE SECURITY WINGS INVESTIGATE EVERYTHING WITHOUT LEAVING ANY STONE UN-TURNED. THIS HAS BEEN LONG OVER DUE. SOME OF THESE PEOPLE DON’T LOVE THEIR COUNTRY. IF THEY DID THEY WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN PUTTING THEIR PERSONALINTERESTS IN FRONT, RATHER THAN THE COUNTRY AND THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE. I HOPE THAT WITHIN THE STATE OF EMMERGENCY PERIOD THE PERPETRATORS ARE ARRESTED, CHARGED AND POSSIBLY SENTENCED. “MWIKALA PATALALA…”. by the bullet freedom must come July 5, 2017 At 9:09 pm STATE OF EMERGENCY dictatorship by a Visionless lungu is taking the country 30 years behind. These violent drunkard thugs illegally occupying state house need to be flushed out by the bullet, by the ballot, by the bible, by the gun, by the bazooka or by the bombs. Nostradamus July 5, 2017 At 10:37 pm Hoo my God Edgar is so weak. He has failed to instill discipline again? No wonder he is getting insulted. Chisenga July 5, 2017 At 9:11 pm -continued- 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, lassie July 5, 2017 At 9:15 pm As a speech writer I can see that this little piece has been sitting on the shelf waiting for its grand outing…. Sad, when you compare the real issues that cause other countries to declare a state of emergency. Goodbye IMF bail out. maloza July 5, 2017 At 9:17 pm WHAT DOES A STATE OF EMERGENCY MEAN? Definition: A situation of natural danger in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures in order to introduces special measures such as increased powers for police or army , usually because of civil disorder or because of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Characteristics of the state of emergency: 1.increased powers of the police or army 2.suspend freedom of movement after certain hours e.g from 18hrs-8hrs no one is allowed to move .All should be indoors-if found you are arrested and at times remain in custody up the time it ends. 3.At times government suspends even court sittings in the judiciary 4. Government suspends parliamentary sittings. 5.Mult-national corporations like shoprite with shifts for workers will… maloza July 5, 2017 At 9:19 pm CONT’D…. 5.Mult-national corporations like shoprite with shifts for workers will have to suspend some workers to allow for a short shift and this is not sustainable for the supermarket. 6.Mines have reduced production of copper and lay off some workers meaning some shifts are cancelled to reduce costs workers sent back home. 7.In cities Lusaka where there are traffic jams , many companies allow workers to knock off early to allow them get home early 8.Bus operators have to park buses by 17hrs if curfew begins at 17/18hrs meaning reduced salary. 9.No taxi pirating at night meaning increased hunger. 10.No bars or night clubs open meaning workers have to be laid off during the state of emergency meaning no salary. 11. Government may command all Telecommunication companies to… maloza July 5, 2017 At 9:22 pm CONT’D…. 11. Government may command all Telecommunication companies to switch off their internet facility meaning no whatsapp, no facebook, no emails sent etc. 12.Private media houses will be closed during this period meaning no salaries for workers. 13. All trucks must be parked from 18-8hrs meaning slow deliveries resulting in losses and drivers are told to stay home by truck owners for their security. 14. President abuses his power and allows police to arrest people on mere suspicion . 15.if mishandled war breaks out 16.At times there is a coup de Terrible July 5, 2017 At 9:19 pm Article 31 was proclaimed by UPNDonkeys but only the President of Zambia, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has power and authority to put it into effect. Remember that it was your choice, and that choice will come with restrictions and measures. So you see, UPNDonkeys, there is a President of Zambia after all. If you donkeys want Article 31 to be revoked, you have to ask the President. If you don’t, there may be less court appearances fir those who enjoy court. And take it from me, UPNDonkeys, the government has the full support of the international community. You will not hear any government anywhere in the world speak against our government, similar to their stand on the 2016 elections. Free July 6, 2017 At 5:35 am 1MBECILE Anti-Panik Mode Decision Making July 5, 2017 At 9:19 pm Telesphore Mpundu, you are a great prophet! How you foresaw this ominous event coming beats my foot! You advised these bruts, who appear to have a vacuum between their two ears, but they never listened. Now they are standing on quicksand! what a bunch of jokers we have entrusted the fate of our beautiful nation of Zambia, Cry My beloved Country! OneNation July 5, 2017 At 9:32 pm Yes, because he did everything possible to precipitate this action – go ahead celebrate him. The Chosen One July 5, 2017 At 11:18 pm Peace my friend is what you need. Never let anything control you including politics. Immediately you start seeing everything wrong with the other person you should stop & question yourself. God gave us the power to control everything on earth & not be controlled by these things that will pass with time. Do you really believe Bp Mpundu would say the same thing after a spate of lawlessness where innocent people are losing lives & property all because the minority want to be engrossed in & possessed by politics? I think he is grown up enough not to be sucked into this childish pursuit The Chosen One July 5, 2017 At 11:31 pm So @ anti-panik l wish peace to you & all those who are engrossed in politics to rise above things you can control & free yourself from the snare of politics. We can do better as Zambians & we have a history of togetherness & peace. Above all we have God on our side. These fires & sabotage are wrong & you can’t justify them. Politics is just a game & like any game there are losers & winners. Every 5 years any Zambian can showcase their ideas & try to win majority of voters over to be allowed the privilege of leading this great Christian nation. You can’t impose your own rules & when you are being corrected cry foul. Just rise above the politics. It’s just a game played by grownups! God bless Zambia Chisenga July 5, 2017 At 9:21 pm THIS CALLS FOR SERIOUS INTROSPECTION. I THINK WE NEED A STATE OF EMERGENCY RIGHT NOW. IT IS PROVIDED FOR BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE FRAMERS OF THE CONSTITUTION WERE NOT FOOLISH WHEN THEY DID THAT. I SUPPORT A STATE OF EMERGENCY BECAUSE OUR CURRENT CROP OF SECURITY WINGS ARE A DISAPPOINTMENT TO SAY THE LEAST. THE POLICE, THE OP, ARE ALL A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO ARE ILLITERATE OR LESS EDUCATED. WE ARE LIVING IN A COMPLICATED WORLD RIGHT NOW. UPND IS HAVING A FIELD DAY RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OUR POLICE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. SOMEONE CAN STEAL , INSULT AND COMMIT CRIMES, BUT AS LONG AS THEY ARE CLEVER IN MANIPULATING THE LAW, THEY WILL GO SCOT FREE. SO THE FIRST THING WE NEED TO DO IS EMPLOY GRADUATES AS POLICEMEN. NOT ILLITERATE CADRES. Alibaba July 5, 2017 At 9:28 pm A market gets gutted then a state of emergency, this guy and all his advisers really smoke a lot of weed. Just compensate the traders and rebuild the market. Trying to be tough when there is nothing to be tough about. If this is how you react when your minsters or government officials steal public funds, I bet this country would have made tremendous progress. Jay Jay July 5, 2017 At 11:11 pm When reporters asked him a few days ago about tension in the country the lazy foool laughed off as he was boarding his aircraft on the tarmac..today he sees an opportunity starts talking about individuals planning to cause disruption and starts talking about fires from last year. This is what happens when you are too lazy and the job is too big for you. Terrible July 5, 2017 At 9:29 pm So you UPNDonkeys, what response did you expect to the armageddon declared by underfive donkey? That you continue burning markets and electricity infrastructure and destroy people’s livelihoods huh? You have to be donkeys if you think that you can attack us Zambians and we will allow our government to sit idly by! If anyone doubted that UPND are donkeys, here is the proof, look at their comments. Actually I thought that even donkeys do possess a little reasoning, even just an ounce, but boy, am I surprised and shocked! Tosh July 6, 2017 At 3:42 am Am with you an I salute though am a non partisan but I suffer the consequences. Tosh July 6, 2017 At 3:43 am Am with you terrible an I salute though am a non partisan but I suffer the consequences. One Zed! July 5, 2017 At 9:32 pm Very verge speech. No substance. The parliament should pass something with more detail other wise the police will unleash brutality with no mercy. badeggsmultiply July 5, 2017 At 9:34 pm The president at one time said the situation was ok in the country. That being the case why is he trying to activate some SI? OneNation July 5, 2017 At 10:56 pm Do you understand English? You have just said, “The president at one time said the situation was ok in the country”. Lukwesa Barack July 7, 2017 At 2:57 pm Its supposed to be, “The president just recently said the situation was ok in the country”. Kamba July 5, 2017 At 9:36 pm Kwacha will crash down tomorrow. I predict by 20% at least. Investment will be tight, and good luck to your bellies because that hyperinflation looming…. Shuka P July 5, 2017 At 9:42 pm Let kwacha drop. I buy land for cheap. Start investing while they figure out that a dictator is in control. J Thamanga July 5, 2017 At 9:37 pm Shame on a small democracy. Lets not complain about Trump and stay where we are. Zambia has gone to the dogs. Free July 6, 2017 At 5:40 am Never mind going to the dogs, it has been teared-up by the plundering shameless dogs J Thamanga July 5, 2017 At 9:38 pm Shame on a small democracy. Lets not complain about Trump and stay where we are. Zambia has gone to the dogs. Lombe (MA) July 5, 2017 At 9:42 pm We have a leadership crisis in Zambia. How can the whole with the resources at their disposal, Army, ZAF, Paramilitary, ZP, OP etc., fail to arrest arsonists? When they wanted to close ZambianWatchdog the Minister of Information said, “even if it means asking the FBI for help, I’ll do so to make sure we close Zambian Watchdog.” You can ask FBI to help you close Zambian Watchdog, but fail to ask for help when people are burning sensitive property down? Who can believe that? Amilcar Cabral July 5, 2017 At 9:53 pm Iwe na iwe ZAF and the army are not crime fighters. They are trained for war not for crime Spake like lilo July 6, 2017 At 1:17 am Amilcar Cabral ZAF were used as a campaign tool by lungu for the elections….. Mulenga July 5, 2017 At 9:46 pm His insecurity and wish to be recognized even when he knows he stole an election has brought us to this. Lungu will be the first SADC president to be assassinated, mark my word! Enough of this clueless stup’id F.00l is enough. Angry Zambian July 6, 2017 At 1:31 am You are a foolproof Nono July 6, 2017 At 4:55 am He won the election get over it. Anyone who doesn’t not support this declaration of state of emergency has their head in the sand. When treasonous acts are being perpetrated with such impunity, the govt has no choice. Who can rejoice in the destruction of property at such a high rate in a small economy like Zambia. Think of the millions lost and what will be spent to rectify these cowardly destruction of property. If upnd supporters are behind this they have just put the last nail on his coffin to become president. Now in addition to the tribalist label his party has earned another label of being unpatriotic. Free July 6, 2017 At 5:41 am @ Nono 1MBECILE Njimbu July 5, 2017 At 9:55 pm @Kamba All that will happen because of one evil HH!!if he conceaded defeat after losing 2016 elections the way Great Michael Sata used to do,we could have not faced this hell.HH’s desperation for state house has brought more harm than good to mother Zambia!! Currently our country is being burnt by HH’s die hard tribal supporters who love HH more than Zambia.SO SURELY, YOU WANT THE PF GOVNT TO JUST WATCH AS UPND IS DESTROYING ZAMBIA?NEVER!!if HH loved us Zambians,he could have moved on in 2016 and waited for 2021 elections!!Mrs.Hillary Clinton conceaded defeat in USA despite being more popular than Mr Trump.FOR THE SAKE OF AMERICAN PEACE AND ECONOMY,MRS.CLINTON CONCEADED DEFEAT AND TODAY USA IS ENJOYING PEACE!!can HH do that?Never despite being less popular that ECL!HH declared himself… UMWAUME July 5, 2017 At 9:57 pm Shame on you UPND. You think you have a better place than Zambia. Here you go . You have made poor marketeers more poor and yet they are the same people you want to govern when you are in govt. Shame Njimbu July 5, 2017 At 10:02 pm Continue…. HH declared himself as 2016 winner way before we even voted. SO BLAME HH FOR THE HELL WE ARE FACING TODAY IN ZAMBIA. just look at the thinking of his tribal supporters using bemba names( @Mulenga)?this is how all bantustan upnd supporters think.they cry about lost 2016 elections day and night.for them 2016 elections were first and last in Zambia which HH should have won by all costs!! NOW WITH SUCH DIE HARD TRIBAL SUPPORTERS,WHAT CAN PF GOVNT DO? only to declare a state of emergency than risk our country being burnt by these tribal terrorists hiding in upnd!! UMWAUME July 5, 2017 At 10:04 pm We never had this before elections. UPND looked for a moment like this one when Zambia is ungovernable. Mwanya mafi yambushi. You will never rule this country. I’m sure your HH is very happy that yes guys burn these institutions. Mwanya God will prevail over mother Zambia. Nono July 6, 2017 At 4:57 am Couldn’t agree more. They just handed keys to lungu to the new state house in 2020 Kay July 5, 2017 At 10:07 pm I agree with Lombe, if the police have failed let the army, zaf and ZNS do the patrols that’s why they are there and it doesn’t mean if they are trained for war they can’t combat local crime..and mind you Amilcar Cabral when the ritual murderers were at their peak the army was called upon to do the patrols..let’s not leave everything to the police alone when other security forces are just drinking duty free beers at their messes.. Harold Muna July 5, 2017 At 10:07 pm First of all @Chisenga, authorities are not established by God. That kind of irrelevant thinking is what gives fodder to dictators or creates them. Secondly, yesterday I pointed out that there should be no knee jerk reactions over the incidents. Due investigative process should be instituted and proper evidence adduced – then conclusions made. People have lost their livelihoods and that is sad. But these incidents are not enough to propose that a threatened emergency be put in place. The problem is that institutions bestowed with the protection of rights, provision of service and security responsibilities have either stopped working or are so corruptly compromised that they only react, albeit in panic when something happens. They are always busy pursuing the wrong things. Njimbu July 5, 2017 At 10:10 pm Believe you me,once some few criminals are arrested,upnd will be exposed and embarrassed and that would mark the end of upnd!! Upnd’s love for HH than mother Zambia has caused of these.but am pretty sure that soon or later,HH and his die hard tribal supporters shall cry terribly!!days are numbered for upnd’s arsonists as tears of those poor marketeers cannot dry unpunished by God!! Hazaluza July 5, 2017 At 10:37 pm Mr. President, KK knew how to deal with people like UPND. I know you too know! We are behind you, Sir! They are losers and will lose Hagain! Hazaluza July 5, 2017 At 10:39 pm Thank you for consolidating the “Guilty verdict!” It started soon after elections, trying to make this peaceful country ungovernable! It was proceeded by stealing of privatization funds. Now get the Namwala boys behind bars too! Spake like lilo July 6, 2017 At 1:51 am But we are still waiting the arrest of the bweengwa kidnappers. What happened to that story ?.. Louisa July 5, 2017 At 10:39 pm Some so called educated, political i.d.ts are once more letting down the people of Zambia. After three smooth transitions this should not have been anywhere necessary. If tribal inclinations can make it so hard for some people to uphold even the littlest of democratic tenets we should as well have allowed KK to prevail. Suffice to say it’s not the villager in places like shangombo or kaputa who should be blamed for much of the African tragedy but much so those who boast of having traversed the globe. Don July 5, 2017 At 10:40 pm I got nothing against Lungu but I detest dictators. Hazaluza July 5, 2017 At 10:40 pm The guy who has no substance is behind bars. Also, authorities are established by God and they are there to punish errant people too! Hazaluza July 5, 2017 At 10:49 pm Stay on course Mr. President, we know who are responsible. Please it is time to interview members of those who watch dogs in Zambia. They are on this blog too. Nono July 6, 2017 At 4:58 am Imagine upnd campaigning at the markets … Mzambia wa Zamani July 5, 2017 At 10:51 pm Bwana Lungu is setting Zambia ablaze with autocratic rule ,abuse of power and draconian measures for a country that is not at war.Really sad . MunaDekhane July 5, 2017 At 11:14 pm Its shocking Edgar Chagwa Lungu has failed to declare a state of emergency after days of breathing hot air. In Chewa we say “Tiwone chatsidza zaye mu mtengo kuti njovu ithyoke ny’anga”. Numerating fire events and associating them to certain groups of people be it PF or UPND will not solve the on going issues in the nation. The Chewa adage insist on finding the ROOT CAUSE to prescribe the cure. Terrible July 5, 2017 At 11:16 pm @31, obviously you are dull even by UPNDonkey standards! Terrible July 5, 2017 At 11:27 pm As I go to bed let me leave you with a few thoughts that I told you about last year regarding the expired UPNDonkey petition. These donkeys did not have any evidence of rigging, it was just a cover for their main objective of their petition, which was to remove the legitimate President by insisting on the Speaker taking over. If they had succeeded their objective was to weaken the state so that a state of emergency could not be declared while they implemented their armageddon plan and take over the government. Why else do you think that they were so bitter (up to this day) when they did not manage to put aside the Presidency? Now you know why the constitution does not eady removal if the President, it is for national security reasons like this situation. nb July 6, 2017 At 12:01 am upnd why complaining again ,lets face reality now this is wat you have been advocating for Spake like lilo July 6, 2017 At 1:46 am We are still waiting for the arrests and prosecutions of the highly trained UPND commandos we were told had kidnapped GRZ and PF officials in bweengwa. bwafyaa July 6, 2017 At 12:40 am This STATE OF EMERGENCY (S.E) necessary as it may look RAISES MANY QUESTIONS! We have NOT SUFFICIENT EFFORTS PUT INTO INVESTIGATING AND PREVENTING THESE UNFORTUNATE INCIDENTS FROM RECURRING, SO HOW WILL THE S.E SOLVE THE SITUATION? Lungu himself catalogued the number of fires and sabotage to infrastructure and a few suspects arrested, but we HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE OUT COME OF FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS AFTER THE REST with MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED AND A PROPER CASE CONSTRUCTED TO PUT AN END TO ALL THIS. I am NEITHER UPND nor PF, I am ZAMBIAN and I believe this S.E may just lead to HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, EROSION OF DEMOCRACY and MORE DAMAGE TO STATE INSTITUTIONS. SECURITY WINGS HAVE NOT DONE THE JOB- FINISH, NOT THIS S.E!! Mateo July 6, 2017 At 1:03 am Bwafya pa Zed with accidental President. Angry Zambian July 6, 2017 At 1:19 am If you are not guilty do not blame ECL, but if you are, blame him for all you want, because the functioning of your brain is questionable.*****s u-unpatriotic,p-pigs,n-nonsense, d-dependants fools bana ba maimbwa you think we are happy. Spake like lilo July 6, 2017 At 1:26 am Useless thieves . They have been gunning for a state f emergence from when they realised not many people will accept lungu after he stole the elections. You have arrested a few people, tell us about what the investigations have found or will we be waiting lie the bweengwa kidnapping saga ?.. Leonard Nzimba July 6, 2017 At 1:30 am Is this a calculated move by the PF? How is the National Assembly expected to approve or disapprove this so called article 31(2) ; when the entire opposition is suspended by one, the speaker of Parliament. There are more questions than answers !. Democracy is FREEDOM, and if there is no FREEDOM , there is NO democracy. The moment we become a fully pledged DEMOCRACY, everyone from the President to the last man in our society will be FREE. It’s that easy, IT’S NOT CALCULUS OR ROCKET SCIENCE!!!!!!!!! Spake like lilo July 6, 2017 At 1:43 am Lungu and PF can not function in a normal democracy, they leave too many unanswered questions they would rather bury……..as a clue to their fear of answering questions that comes with a democratic government, lungu or any of his representatives have never given a press conference with free press. Mwiponta Mukabwela July 6, 2017 At 1:52 am state of emergency mwaponoka wapya ba isa . Peter July 6, 2017 At 3:56 am I THOUGHT THIS WERE A STATE OF EMMERGENCY AFTER READING THE HEADING FROM ANOTHER ELECTRONIC PAPER: “President Lungu Declares State Of Emergency”, (https://zambiareports.com/2017/07/05/president-lungu-declares-state-emergency/). AT THIS POINT IN TIME ZAMBIA NEEDS A STATE OF EMMERGENCY IN PLACE. ALL THESE ACTS ARE ACTS OF TERRORISM. Terrible July 6, 2017 At 4:00 am Surprise surprise even by UPNDonkey standards! Now anarchy is the same as democracy! china July 6, 2017 At 4:05 am Good for the foolish PF cadres now they will have their little freedoms taken away. Now 1800hrs all of you get out of the streets go to sleep, while us in diaspora can go out any time we like and jump on the bus any time we like. The dictator you were celebrating about is busy taking your freedoms one by one pretty soon you will only be allowed to go to the toilet once that is what dictators do “Take away your liberties”. Terrible July 6, 2017 At 4:14 am What is even more surprisung is that their underfive leader has appealed for peace while his members on LT are doing the opposite. Is UPNDonkey party now leaderless? Or is it split into factions? Or is underfive no more the leader? Or is it that spaka lilo and the rest formed a faction on LT? Or is Gbm now the acting presidenT? With comments from UPNDonkey cadres, I see a “party” in disarray. I also see a “party” that will never produce a tonga President, which is really a pity since I was looking forward to a democratic election of a tonga President in Zambia in the future, since we are one Zambia one Nation. Now look at what these donkeys have done? Even the likes of VJ and upnd “professors” must be thoroughly disgusted with the leadership of UPNDonkey party, especially after the… Terrible July 6, 2017 At 4:16 am ….. Even the likes of VJ and those upnd “professors” must be thoroughly disgusted with the leadership of UPNDonkey party, especially after the coming of Gbm. U5 gets locked up for failing to assert his leadership over Gbm, but he is the “leader” that we know so he takes the flak. Terrible July 6, 2017 At 4:19 am As for Mutinta, she must now accept the inevitable fact that her U5 husband is not coming home anytime soon. And all because of her “mulamu” Gbm…. misleading her husband that power is easy to gain without being elected. Mwila July 6, 2017 At 5:17 am Time to withdraw everything from your Zambian bank accounts! Your ATMs may be blocked. A SOE is costly! Prepare for the worst economy ever! This is what irresponsible voting leads to – Maloza! My Voice July 6, 2017 At 7:46 am Some people(won’t mention them) have been denying the fact that there’s political tension in the country. Are they still denying?. I’m not saying it is the opposition responsible for this suspected sabotage but this is what happens in a country where there’s alleged great injustice. It’s so sad what’s happening in our country Non partsain July 6, 2017 At 8:24 am The level of dibate for and against is too low ,I can’t comment Hamoono July 6, 2017 At 8:58 am Some of you fellow Zambians make comments without understanding what is happening around you on the International scene. You need to use your brains and not your bottom when making comments. Don’t just listen to ZNBC. Listen widely to different media outlets, so that you can understand the world politics. The world has changed. Even in the USA things are not it’s business as usual. In Europe same thing. We have home grown terrorists going around causing panic and discomfort among the citizenry. The president has the constitutional right to ensure peace is maintained. Ask Turkey they will tell you how to ensure peace is maintained. Some methods unfortunately are drastic. Zambia is at the crossroads. Tricky political situations require drastic, but clever measures to curtail unruly… Mwebena Zambia mwaliwama, nomba pantu mukonkuluda, chakuti mwipushe elo mwishibe, ichikulu mwaikovinsa July 6, 2017 At 10:16 am Most Zambians depend too much on kachepa. com, we have not yet been furnished with details on what transpired in that market by the fire department, but already people are calling it sabotage, arson, let’s wait for official investigations bane. Mwiinga July 6, 2017 At 10:48 am Excellent move that ECL has made. These fools who are taking law in their handle will be dealt with. HH and GBM are the most useless leaders in Zambia. Mwebena Zambia mwaliwama, nomba pantu mukonkuluda, chakuti mwipushe elo mwishibe, ichikulu mwaikovinsa July 6, 2017 At 1:34 pm Mmmmmmmh! Chill wemwina Zambia. 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