President Edgar Lungu has refused to intervene in the closure of Prime Television and help reopen the private TV station.
The President says he was recently visited by a diplomat who asked him to reopen the controversial TV station.
He said he does not have powers as President to issue licenses to broadcasting stations but the Independent Broadcasting Authority does.
President Lungu says there is nowhere in the constitution of Zambia where it is stated that the President will issue broadcasting licenses.
He said he does not want to be accused of acting outside the law where people will be questioning which law he used to restore the license for Prime Television.
Addressing PF members in Chirundu District, President Lungu advised the TV station to apply for another license which Authorities in their powers will decide whether to give or not.
He however said that the PF is not scared of criticism and has asked those asking him to give back the license to Prime TV to stop harassing him especially in the night.
President Lungu has also hit back at people condemning Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo for enforcing public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
He said those who were condemning the whipping of lawbreakers have their own country where they will return if things worsen in Zambia.
And President Lungu has directed Home Affairs Minister Hon Stephen Kampyongo to bring to book those with intentions of bringing anarchy in the country in the name of freedom of speech and expression.
President Lungu was speaking when he addressed PF Members in Chirundu District.
“Yes you have every right to express yourselves in whatever manner you please, you are even at liberty to criticize and call me names as much as you like after all most of you have already been doing that at various platforms and I have tolerated it but what I will however not tolerate is some group of people with an ill agenda to breaking the law, I can assure you that I will not tolerate it” President Lungu said.
The head of state said the Home Affairs Minister should ensure that all those that involve themselves in illegalities under the guise of being advocates of Freedom of expression and speech are brought to book.
“We are aware of a scheme by some ill-meaning Zambians planning to Conduct Protests in the name of freedom of expression even amidst this deadly COVID-19 pandemic that the country and the rest of the world is grappling with” President Lungu disclosed.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Hon Stephen Kampyongo says the Police are fully equipped and ready to deal with anyone that breaks the law.
Hon Kampyongo said that the men and women in uniform will not hesitate to bring to book anyone who breaks the law for whatever reason they may have.
“Well noted your Excellency and I can assure you that these your men and women in uniform under my Ministry stand ready to protect this country from anyone who intends to cause harm for whatever reason” Hon Kampyongo said.
Hon Kampyongo said that the Police equal to the task and are ready to ensure that all Zambian citizens follow the public health guidelines stipulating the restricts of large gatherings and assemblies amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has so far claimed 7 lives in the country.
Mungulu mungulu voting in 2021 we don’t want, Ba luapula, muchinga naba kasama namufwa tapali ichilimba apa. Vote wisely in 2021.
Well done his excellence. These guys might misquote you. Let the IBA do it’s job.
Don’t worry dude, Keep issuing contradicting statements and incoherent resolutions. Your time is up. We were there getting locked up in Army truck removing super Ken. The greatest. We are the men who did it in the 90’s. You are so small compared to him with change in the world. Coming home to Join movement. Prepare for jail. See you. Another Vivu in a different way coming up. Watch the space
Those are the groupings fighting to put their puppet hh in plot 1. The same people cry for separation of powers but at night want the president to break laws, then the following morning they will cry foul that the PF has captured the whole state. Be vigilant, sir, identify them and expose them. They want our gold.
Then what law did you use to allow ministers illegally stay in office and also defy a court ruling and order to pay back. Edgar you are useless indeed.
Sometimes I wake up happy and ready to relax on a Sunday and then you see this inanity from someone claiming to be a lawyer and also a person who respects the constitution.
Sue me Kz, I will continue impersonating.
Kikikikikikijukija kikikikikikijukija!
This ECL is inspiring!
Even at midnight the president works. 24/7 on duty. One wonders on works that are done in darkness, I mean at night.
Diplomats, Musicians, Political parties at his nerve.
Night time is real time. Women put off their makeup, we get so natural and humane in the night. Above all we need to rest as we retire to bed.
KZ where are you? Fill us in on how the president spends and ought to spend his night time.
Another master piece YE POTROZ ECL, if you interfere, you will be seen has meddling in institutional system operations. Good job. Kudos to you
Edgar Lungu is failure what point is trying ti prove? Just wait, we shall show you the exit door next year.
He is thug of a president and his arrogance is noticeable in everything he does and says.
He is the one fueling confusion in the country.
PF must go!
Your Excellency continue using your expertise in law to protect the country from these useless guys who want to use every bit of the opportunity to destabilise the country in the name of democracy. Cage anybody who wants to become lawless. Zambia is not operating in a legal vacuum but it has laws to follow. There’s no one who is above the law.
Intimidation nafuti. The Police will misquote this and mistreat those involved in peaceful demonstrations. In Zambia, it is only PF Cadres that can hold demonstrations the other demonstrations are illegal. It is very sad. Michael Sata once criticized the educated people in Zambia for being cowards unfortunately his successor wants us to be cowards by issuing threats. Three UPND youths were recently arrested for requesting for permission to hold a peaceful demonstration. Are you kidding me? Just asking for permission one is arrested as though one demonstrated without permission? Ba ECL, this is modern Zambia don’t treat us like illiterates.
Our friends in opposition more so those in diaspora are very dull and stubborn. They refuse to open their big empty heads. The president has no power to reinstate a broadcasting licence. We are a government that follows the laws of the country without fear or favour. Ba catpower why don’t you grow some pwazis and come back to Zambia to fight us if you man enough. Us we fight at the ballots
“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.”
Romans 13:1, NIV
Excellent position by our President to not interfere in the dealings of reopening media houses. We await those crazies ranting careless speeches with potential to bring Chaos to be brought to book by the Laws of the land.
Yes, even Hitler was put there by God to burn people alive in gas chambers. Incidentally wht was Edgar Lungu doing in Chirundu, Luangwa and Rufunsa in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic?
Gentlemen if we had to rate Zambian presidents in terms of being Dull, who is the worst? A) Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, B) Dr Jacob Titus Chiluba, C) Dr Patrick Levy Mwanawasa. D) Dr Rupiah Bwezani Banda. E) Michael Chilufya Sata. F) Edgar Lungu
Every one is free to vote, I am doing a research
Gentlemen if we had to rate Zambian presidents in terms of being intelligent who is the worst? A) Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, B) Dr Jacob Titus Chiluba, C) Dr Patrick Levy Mwanawasa. D) Dr Rupiah Bwezani Banda. E) Michael Chilufya Sata. F) Edgar Lungu
Every one is free to vote, I am doing a research
@Samlindo: G) Your mother….
I don’t understand what my President says sometimes especially when he uses threats against his own people. I find it absurd.
What about those ministers telling us that the President will extend protection? Do you actually do that too? Are those ministers in line to say that? Isn’t it the Constitution that does that sir?
And now that! That’s what you’re known for sir. You always feel intimidated even by the true ranting of a youth. Kambwili and HH are yet to condemn you. That’s KK kind of governance. No one to cough or the dogs are unleashed.
A very true epitome of running an animal farm. You simply command after all it’s doctorship. Okay Mr President nobody asked you to indirectly exculpate yourself (guilty conscience) our advise is you use the same route you used when suspending the license.
Not only is Lungu Dull, incompetent, hypocritical and visionless, he is also childish too. 🙂
The President has no power under any law to order police to deny citizens their right to peacefully protest but he just did that yesterday, how come when it comes to Prime TV he suddenly follows the law religiously. No law allowed GRZ to intervene in KCM, CEC and Zesco impasse but the Government came up with an SI to enable it to do just that. Thats is why we demand fairness as Zambians.
Psalms 106 verse 3, Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. In whatever position we are in, we have a responsibility to act justly and to do what is fair and right.
Psalms 106 verse 3, ” Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”
In whatever position we are in, we have a responsibility to act justly and to do what is fair and right.
Yes I agree with you mr. President. The only power you’ve is to protect your corrupt ministers. My vote is not a secret anymore.
What piece of legislation did you use for you and your Ministers to start stealing from the people of Zambia( urging your ministers and government officials to start ukulya mwibala). Shameless person you really are!
Lungu,
We all know all violence and lawlessness by PF and police has your blessings
Are you going to tell us lies that you don’t know nothing about the PF gassings and resulting mass murder ?
When time comes , you lungu , will be held accountable for those 50 deaths
“I have no power to interfere with IBA operations, but I have power to keep and support a minister involved in illegal whipping of citizens”
Same mouth,same place, same occasion.
This man is not up for this job…you wonder why I call him Lazy Lungu
And when we say you have a F.ool for a president you wonder why
Great man for good Zambian times. Did you see icikale mupepi?
Arrest man next to him for endangering the life of the president by not wearing the mask. While at it arrest the president for endangering life of Zambian’s through spreading Covid-19. He didn’t wear the mask and things were projected to microphone.
Everything has its time, and all days become night.
MuZambian – This lazy man says he has no power to influence the IBA but has Ministry of Information PS on the IBA board who he handpicks ….and that board is forever threatened with being dissolved by the Information Minister.
Tarino just because some one has appointed you to a role does not mean he has power to make decisions which you are authorised to make on the basis of you holding any such role. Difference between power to appoint and being authorised to make a decision which is delegated by a constitutional instrument. Now, if I called you are a very thick chap, would I be wrong to do so ?
This says much about the level of his audience and followers.. Who sure, in their upright conscience can take words from ECL’s mouth to be true?
2021…..We shall SILENCE You
#Enough is Enough
#The Youth Matter!!!!!
As the President and commander in chief I have the power to direct the IG to arrest opposition members who are breaking the law – as the president I have no powers to release anybody who is innocent that is the job of the IG. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Sorry I don’t respond to impostors!!
You don’t respond when asked pertinent questions. I m glad I am showing everyone how useless you are. You are a mere cadre who only knows criticising based on tribal and party affiliation. It will even be better when you stop posting your rubbish here cause no one really takes note of you
IT IS NOT WRONG TO DO THE RIGHT THING IN THE NAME OF A PERSON, AN ORGANISATION, A PRINCIPLE OR A POWER. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE PF IN THE NAME OF GOD (remember Christians for PF?). SO EXPRESSING THE RIGHT OPINION IN THE NAME OF ‘FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION’ IS NOT A WRONG THING TO DO. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY WERE ABUNDANTLY GRANTED TO THE PF WHEN IT WAS IN THE OPPOSITION, WHY IS THE PF DENYING THESE FREEDOMS TO ZAMBIANS TODAY? JUST TO CONTINUE CLINGING TO POWER? BETTER MUST COME.
Summarized articles could yield productive opinions, thanks!
There is urine right there, coming from the horse’s own mouth. I hope u heard him Clearly maybe i shd recapitulate for u:
1. I, Lungu, i dont take responsibility for anything other than my own commands.
2. I, Lungu, iam now confirming to u that iam full blown dictator.
3. From here onwards, Zambia is a place of criminals and corrupt people, those that want to be clean, they must leave Zambia, go create their own country and leave us the criminals here.
It is very sad how Zambia has become a country of warnings… sad indeed… all the Democratic principles gained have been thrown away…as Zambia was amongst the African countries to have democracy sweep through it in the 90s..we should be far advanced than this rubbish we seeing now.
Can life be enjoyable where someone doesn’t believe in saying the truth. Evn wen he knows zat wat hes sayig will be evaluated as to hw true it is and then he doesn’t care abit to try and cme out truthful.Hw do our friends enjoy a life of perpetual lying…
He only has powers to CLOSE THEM PERIOD!
F.oolishness! Even if there was no COVID, you would not allow peaceful demonstrations by the youth. What a hypocrite. Equating freedom of expression with lawlessness. They have their own authoritarian primitive definition of rights and freedoms, even for one who professes to be a lawyer. This kind of backwardness is unapparelled in our history.