Monday, November 25, 2024

Government Confirms Former President Lungu’s Immunity Intact, Calls for Responsible Opposition Critique

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In a press briefing held in Lusaka, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa reaffirmed that former President Edgar Lungu’s legal immunity remains intact, and the government has no intention of revoking it. Mr. Mweetwa clarified, however, that Mr. Lungu’s immunity does not extend to his family members, and he emphasized that law enforcement agencies are not prohibited from investigating them.

Speaking on behalf of the Zambian government, Mr. Mweetwa, who also serves as the Information and Media Minister, underscored President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to ushering in a new era of politics centered on peace and reconciliation.

Mr. Mweetwa expressed concern over what the government views as a deliberate campaign by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) to misinform the nation and the international community regarding Mr. Lungu’s legal status. He stated that claims of victimization are unfounded and urged for a more responsible approach to political discourse.

Addressing the recent call by the Consortium of Opposition Political Parties for a national dialogue, Mr. Mweetwa welcomed the initiative, emphasizing President Hichilema’s willingness to engage in candid discussions on matters of national importance.

However, Mr. Mweetwa raised questions about the moral credibility of Citizens First Leader Harry Kalaba and Socialist Party President Fred M’Membe for forming an alliance with a political party they previously labeled as the most violent during the lead-up to the last General Elections. He called for a consistent and principled approach to political alliances and cooperation.

Turning to other matters, Mr. Mweetwa clarified that the newly acquired Zambia Airways plane has no connection to President Hichilema’s name, dismissing allegations made by some opposition leaders. He stressed that the government welcomes constructive critique from the opposition on substantive matters and encourages them to provide credible checks and balances.

Mr.Mweetwa reaffirmed the governments committment to fostering an environment of open dialogue, transparency, and accountability while upholding the rule of law and respecting the legal rights of all citizens, including former officials.

21 COMMENTS

  1. Eventually this immunity has to be done away with past presidents have got away with much to answer for
    if we are subjected to misdameanors and other offences why not them
    A national vote can be the deciding factor
    sponsors for the cost would be readily willing

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  2. Stop misleading the nation it was your party cadres who are making such noise and you publicly confessed that you are one of those paying people to create confusion in PF because in 2026 there is no way you are winning the elections

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  3. No one but the upnd created this rumour due to insecurity and fears. No one will touch our father’s immunity unless they want to lose next election by whlte wash

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  4. Upnd have no basic principles…. Mr Hakainde Hichilema at a rally called Mr Lungu Edgar ati Ukutumpa… there were deafening cheers and hullabaloo from the Upnd faithfuls.
    Last week Edgar sang a piece of some song called Nalitumpa ine… the Upnd youths said unbecoming of a former head of state to sing such a song.
    Why are we wasting time talking about Mr Lungu all time while Rome is burning.
    Remove his immunity, send him to jail so that the price of our foods can come down.

  5. Muyopa chani? Ichoseni Immunity !!
    You Matomola as already declared that it should be removed!
    And when are you compensating Mumbi Phiri? Mupaseni ka K10million.

  6. My proposition is that let’s remove Lungu’s immunity so that we feed some people’s egos that are larger than their intellect. When UPND first suggested it, they thought Lungu would be cowed.He wasn’t. He said, bring it on. My question is: What did Zambia achieve after removing procecution immunity for Chiluba on July 16, 2002 and Banda (15/03/2013)?
    Let’s talk it from there.

  7. Not intrested in this retired innocent former President! The giant in the room is the high cost of living especially Mealie meal which is under your control and cannot blame PF!

    Your pronouncements on AG policy are all over, which convinces me Never to grow maize;

    HH “I have increased the price of maize” Okay true otherwise there will be completely no maize production.

    Mtolo “I want the price of mealie meal to be cheaper” how when production cost is higher, gone are the days of cheap mealie meal! Tell the people the truth that’s leadership. Mwanawasa did it during HIPC.

  8. VP “FISP was meant to be phased out & farmers to graduate” Graduate to what when FISP is a subsidy.

    Musokotwane “CASP, Farm Blocks for foreigners & individuals with deep pockets to establish estates, ordinary Zambians to work as laborers at these estates” Ati job creation for the thousands of youths! Some empowerment indeed.

    Koseni Honorables

    • If you don’t have deep pockets like the white farmers, why not thicken your wallet also??? Most of these farmers have a long history in Zambia but we gave failed to copy them and improve.

  9. The thing is whether Lungu has stolen or not Hakainde was still going to go after him because of that incarceration and the two election losses.

  10. Can we please concentrate on developing Zambia instead of wasting time paying attention to these looters and Bandits …..talking about Politicians 24/7 who have destroyed our country….all Politicians are wicked whether UPND UNIP PF MMD all useless Pompwes….they just work hard to fill their own pockets and HH is busy filling his own pockets he knows time is running out so he has to steal as much as he can before 2026 rolls by

  11. Arising from progressive investigations, HH must first personally present accusations to Parliament unlike the 2002 and 2013 events. Next, EL should be invited to Parley to counter HH’s case. Finally, aside from simple majority, National Assembly has to get 2-thirds majority, otherwise it would be a humiliating flop.
    This is why upnd developed cold feet on this immunity saga. Besides, it’s not a child’s play. Without a strong case, telltales from political bubbermouths won’t have it easily. No one must refuse or stop immunity removal, just question the moral or motive

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  12. Remove the immunity from this Zambia’s #1 enemy ECL who presided over destruction of Zed.Lungu was a thug in suit.

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