The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) has castigated politicians for belittling the national mourning of President Michael Sata by allegedly engaging in a power struggle.
FFTUZ Acting President, Msiska Chingati, said his organisation is disappointed over the inappropriate behaviour of the Patriotic Front (PF) of reducing President Sata’s funeral into a political battlefield.
Mr Chingati said it is un-Zambian and un-African for people to make provocative and alarming statements during the funeral of a deceased person.
He said the behaviour exhibited by some politicians in the PF was an insult to President Sata and his family and the nation at large.
The trade unionist wondered how a state funeral should be marred by unrest and disorder, saying President Sata deserves utmost respect and a dignified mourning.
In a statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Chingati urged the PF to desist from taking the belligerent path as it may plunge the country into chaos and war.
He said the country needs serious, responsible and level-headed politicians to unite Zambian during this trying period and over a smooth transition of power.
Recently, Edgar Lungu was removed from his position as PF Secretary General whilst the country is mourning the death of President Michael Sata.
The action sparked some waves of violent protests across the country among youths demanding the immediate reinstatement of Mr Lungu.
Acting President, Guy Scott, who is also acting PF President, has since rescinded the decision and appealed to the PF, government and Zambians to remain calm and united.
Dr Scott said it is imperative that the PF leadership respects the mourning period.
On October 31, Dr Scott instructed that all consultations and campaigning for the forthcoming Presidential by-election be suspended until after President Sata’s burial.
Point on Mr Chingati, this behavior is becoming very unbearable.
Can anything good come out of Kabimba and Membe? These are the guys behind the confussion. As for SCOT, SATA made you what you are today. I used to think abasungu bonse bamano before I came to England, Ooooh No, ni pwi pwi pwi yekayeka. Shame on you Mr SCOT.