I refuse to be intimidated and harassed – Lungu

President Edgar Lungu and first Lady Esther addressing a rally in Nampundwe

President Edgar Lungu says he will not bow to acts of harassment and intimidation by those wanting to remove him from power.

The Head of State said this at a campaign rally in Nampundwe area in Shibuyunji District on Thursday.

“When you are president, you are alone, so why are you supposed to shed blood just to win Power? “I know that it doesn’t matter how many people other injure or kill in the run up to the elections, but as for me I refuse to be intimidated, and harassed,” Lungu said.

Lungu warned that as commander in Chief Armed Forces, he will be compelled to instruct police to use a bit of force on perpetrators of violence who want to cause bloodshed as a means of getting to State House ahead of the August 11 elections.

Lungu said there was no need for any politician to advocate for violence instead of campaigning in a peaceful manner that would also bring about unity in the country as opposed to bloodshed.

He said there was no need for anybody to shed blood on their way to State House and called the people of Zambia to reject those that advocate for violence.

He called on the police to act swiftly and arrest those wanting to cause violence and bloodshed.

And First Lady Esther Lungu called on the people of Nampundwe to give the President a five year term of office and assured the women in the country of her support to empower them.

She pledged to lobby for more support to the Zambian women to uplift their living standards.

Meanwhile PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri urged the people of Nampundwe not to vote for a political party which had picked a violent man for a running mate ahead of the elections.

PF presidential campaign manager Samuel Mukupa said President Lungu had demonstrated an exemplary leadership and should be retained in power.

Former republican Vice President Enock Kavindele called on the residents of Nampundwe vote for president Lungu.

He said Zambia could only develop with a person like Mr Lungu who has a passion to develop the country and improve the livelihood of all Zambians regardless of political affiliations.