PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO PROMOTE UNITY

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has pledged to continue uniting Zambians regardless of regional status as this is the foundation of strengthening his quest to achieve national development.
The President has also announced that he will forward to Cabinet a proposal for all Zambians to pray and fast during the period of celebrating the Independence Day.
Mr Lungu said no Zambian should suffer because of regional status or political affiliation as these only undermined his vision of governance.
The Head of State said this when he addressed scores of residents after attending a church service at Kisasa Evangelical Church in Kalumbila of North-Western Province yesterday.
“No Zambian should suffer because of the area they come from, so I don’t care where someone lives in a certain region, I will still take development to all parts of this country,” he said.
He said every Zambian needed to embrace love and tolerance regardless of their political affiliation and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ at all times.
Mr Lungu said he would soon declare the decision that Independence celebrations should be preceded by prayer and fasting as a way of promoting love towards one another.
He said love should not just be shown during church services but by ensuring that it was demonstrated beyond any boundaries.
The Head of State has taken a strong stance to promote unity under the ‘One Zambia One Nation’ motto from the time he assumed office in January this year and has continued visiting different parts of the country, including areas where he did not garner sufficient votes during the January 20 presidential election.
Mr Lungu has also continued with road projects across the country to open up rural areas to investment and development opportunities.
He said that North-Western Province had great potential in minerals, including gold which should be explored together with agriculture to contribute to national development.
Earlier in the day, President Lungu paid a courtesy call on Senior Chief Musele of the Lunda people in Kalumbila District where the traditional leader called on Government and PF officials to help Mr Lungu explain various Government programmes he was spearheading.
Chief Musele said he was not satisfied with the performance of officials in the manner they explained Government programmes.
“I want to say the truth, these people here are not serious with the campaigns. They are just playing with the vehicles instead of campaigning,” he said.