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Times of Zambia

A STATEMENT attributed to Senior Chief Mwamba suggesting that there would be bloodshed in Zambia if Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata did not win this year's elections has rightly provoked the ire of Zambians who mean well for our country.

At a time when the focus of the people is on preparations for the polls, partisan comments that serve to stir emotions are the least people expect.

It is even more disappointing if divisive comments come from leaders from any segment of our society who are expected to hold the people together, and reinforce the important teachings that despite believing differently, there should be no need for tearing each other apart.

But it is important to examine the clarification Senior Chief Mwamba has made, pointing to the deception that seems to be the guiding principle for the Citizens Forum, led by Simon Kabanda.

The traditional leader feels betrayed by people he thought were mobilising genuine support for their ill-conceived views on the Constitution-making process which, as it has turned out, is cleverly designed to hoodwink people.

It astonishes us how the Citizens Forum, with its shameless condescending attitude towards the Government, is now seeking to prey on the minds of unsuspecting citizens under the guise of civic education.

Mr Kabanda has long roused our suspicions on what he truly represents, and now his chicanery is being unmasked by his own conduct.

It is now clear for all to see that Mr Kabanda, and what he parades as a non-governmental organisation, is simply a wing of the PF for which he would go to any length to ensure it wins the polls this year.

The people of Zambia have to be certain at this stage, of organisations masquerading as NGOs standing on their side when it comes to matters of national importance, and yet they are political groupings eager to sneak into government alongside the people they are campaigning for.

Mr Kabanda should be ashamed of his desperation that has clearly morphed into treachery, and he seems devoured by hatred for people in leadership.

We advise Zambians to be wary of people who have muted their conscience and would use anybody for as long as they desired to satisfy their selfish interests.