RB warns against division

By ALEX NJOVU

PRESIDENT Banda has called on Zambians to ignore politicians bent on dividing the country and to support Government’s development programme.

Mr Banda said the MMD government will continue working with everyone regardless of their political affiliation in the implementation of development projects across the country.
The President was speaking in Kitwe yesterday when he addressed a huge crowed which welcomed him at Kamfinsa High School.
“Ignore the prophets of doom who are bent on dividing the people. A lot of foreigners are coming to Zambia because there is real development taking place in our country and this is real development,’’ Mr Banda said.
He also appealed to Zambians not to discriminate against foreigners bringing development to the country but to work with them in developing the country.
“Let’s not discriminate people from other countries. We should work together and ignore those who want to divide us,” President Banda said.
He said Government will continue working towards implementing viable projects which are benefiting the people in the country
“We have been able to achieve all the development we are seeing countrywide because we are united. I cannot be happy to see Zambians going to other countries to seek peace,” he said.
Mr Banda said he was particularly happy that opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Kamfinsa member of Parliament (MP) Michael Nyirenda accompanied him during the tour of the K14.2 billion Kamfinsa High School, which is under construction.
The President said the government will not favour certain areas when implementing development projects aimed at benefiting the people.
“I am President for all Zambians. We need to work together to lift this country. No country can achieve meaningful development if its people are divided. We should be proud of ourselves because we are united and I’m happy that Kamfinsa MP is here with us. This is how we should do our politics instead of insulting each other,” Mr Banda said.
The President said he will concentrate on developing the country rather than responding to insults.
“I will never insult those that insult me, let them insult me everyday. In fact, I look better and strong than those that insult me, their insults will never derail me from implementing development projects for Zambians,” Mr Banda said.
He reminded Zambians to work together to develop the country.
Earlier, PF Kamfinsa MP Michael Nyirenda commended President Banda for his commitment to addressing problems affecting the people in his constituency.
He said all development projects in his constituency are on course and thanked the President for his personal effort to ensure they are implemented.
Mr Nyirenda described President Banda as a leader who is development-oriented.
He said the works Mr Banda is implementing are there for everyone to see.
“We are happy with the way your government is developing the country and I am particularly happy that most development projects in my area are on course. It is important to give credit where it is due,” Mr Nyirenda said.
And Mr Banda has vowed to work hard to ensure he is re-elected in next year’s presidential elections so that Zambia is not left in the hands of individuals who cannot fulfil the good programmes which are benefiting people.
“I will continue God willing, with God’s guidance ….we are in a fight and we will not give it up. We cannot leave this country with people who will not continue with the development projects which are for the good of the people,” Mr Banda said.
The President said this on arrival at the Ndola international Airport yesterday to kick-start his three-day working visit to the Copperbelt where he is expected to commission the Konkola North Mine project.
Mr Banda said he will travel to the Western Province this weekend where he will commission the Mongu-Kalabo road.
He urged MMD members to remain united and take all elections seriously, including Local Government by-elections.
Earlier, Copperbelt provincial chairman Joseph Chilambwe said the MMD on the Copperbelt will ensure that all those who defected to the opposition return to the ruling party.
He said it is sad that some opposition leaders are allegedly promoting gay rights and agitating the removal of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
And Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said the country’s economy has improved and that the people of Zambia are happy that President Banda has focused on human development.
He said the people of the Copperbelt are not worried about the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF) pact because its leaders have failed to harmonise the manifestos for the two opposition parties and have differed on the presidential candidate.
Mr Mbulakulima said he is happy that Mr Banda will commission the Konkola North Mine project which is expected to create jobs.