By Joy Nyambe
President Hakainde Hichilema says he will not allow violence to return in public or private spaces in the country.President Hichilema has also challenged those hiding behind the pulpit to propagate violence, saying the law will visit them.The President has instead called for dialogue with those aggrieved by certain issues, saying the doors of State House remain open. He says there is need to choose dialogue over conflict and love over hate.
Speaking during a press briefing at State House today, President Hichilema said violence is retrogressive as all the gains that the country has made will amount to nothing.The President said he is aware of a group of PF who are planning to regroup to promote violence but warned that he will not allow them to return to their old habits.
President Hichilema has since directed Home Affairs Minister, Jack Mwiimbu to ensure all illegal guns are collected.He has also assured that no one will be shielded from crimes, whether from UPND or opposition as the law will be applied equally. The President said the country is now enjoying a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of lawlessness on the streets and bus stations. He said having been a victim of violence in the past, he will not run a country where bloodshed is the order of the day.
And President Hichilema says there is no provision in the Constitution that says the constitution should not be amended in an election year.
He said he dialogued with the civil society prior to constituting the technical committee on amendments to the constitution and wondered why some people did not submit their views.
On energy, President Hichilema said his government has pushed in reforms to allow for independent power producers to invest in energy.
The President said he is aware of the challenges citizens are going through as a result of the energy crisis but assured that massive investments and efforts that are being put in place to address the crisis.
He has assured farmers who supplied maize to the FRA that they will be paid. President Hichilema said government targets to buy about 1.6 million metric tonnes, from the planned 500,000 metric tonnes after their positive response to plant more.
