EDITORIAL: Zambia’s Hichilema may be bad, but not worse than his predecessor Lungu

By: the Editor

In recent days, we have witnessed heightened criticism against Zambian President Hakainde HICHILEMA, particularly from the immediate past governing party, the Patriotic Front -PF- and its subsidiaries political allies. From various press briefings and social media commentaries, PF bigwigs have described the HICHILEMA administration as a total disaster; a government without a political will to rebound the economy, restore the rule of law and creating employment for several thousands of jobless youths.

While we acknowledge certain weaknesses in the New Dawn government including poor corruption fight, communication gaps and breach of certain government protocol, we remain strongly opposed to PF’s senseless criticisms. Every right thinking Zambian knows that Hichilema and his team have mountains to climb. Have a daunting task to service the huge public debt acquired in the last 10 years of political erosion.

It is bluntly illogical for political rivals to crucify the new President for failing to deliver his campaign promises in 100 days of holding office. How does the PF expect an absolutely complete change of the country’s status quo in 100 days when they spent 10 years deteriorating the democratic space, gagging the media, strengthening hooliganism and tribalism including looting of public resources through inflated contracts?? The PF has no moral authority whatsoever to even demand justice, an instant economic turnaround and tribal balance in political appointments.

Before opening their mouths, we urge the Greens to reflect on their former President Edgar Lungu’s soiled legacy. Our fondest memory of Lungu’s regime lies in the presence of cadres in public places, regional political appointments, arbitrary arrests on rivals and the anti-Tonga tribal menace.

We join all right thinking Zambians in acknowledging the little President Hichilema has achieved. At least there is a breath of fresh air across the 18-million man Southern Africa country. There is a renewed sense of security, unity, assurance and teeming public optimism; partly derived from next year’s budget which among other things promises free primary, basic and secondary education and recruitment of 30, 000 teachers and over 11, 000 healthcare workers.

Lastly, we strongly urge Hichilema to remain a people’s person by listening to all Zambians and be open to his country over challenges facing his office.

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Ollus Ndhomu

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