KBF’s timely counsel

In a lengthy op-ed last Sunday, PF member Kelvin Bwalya Fube stated that it would be folly for Zambians to ignore the current social and economic distress sweeping across the nation.

There is a strong perception that our President has been held hostage by a small group of self-serving individuals, he stated. Citizens believe the President is not fully aware of the true state of the nation. If as the ruling party we dont sober up and get to the bottom of these and many other issues of concern, shifting the blame will not make the situation any better. We can harass or arrest all those with opposing views, but without addressing the real issues, we will only succeed at mobilising the Zambian people against President Lungu and the PF party as a whole. I hereby call on the PF party and government to make a clear distinction between politics of intimidation and good governance. We as PF are the ruling party and are entirely responsible for the state and direction of this nation. All other politicians, disgruntled elements and opposition political parties can be excused for their rumbling and political gymnastics. For us on the other hand, our actions and decisions affect every citizen regardless of their political affiliations. When the economy is not doing well, it is our responsibility to rectify the situation.

Fube is right. He deserves commendation as opposed to the condemnation that we have witnessed from unreasonable minds in the last few days. His is a sober reflection. It cannot be argued that the PF governors actions have serious consequences on the governed. All Fube is trying to advise is that every action of the leaders must be weighed in the light of its impact or effect on the citizenry, on society. And we have witnessed many decisions and actions that this administration has made without regard to the citizenry, society. For them, what seems to matter is what benefit they can draw from the decisions and actions.

And Fube is not far from the truth; the PF leadership has succeeded in mobilising the Zambian people against Edgar and the PF party, all because of their divisive actions.

What confronts our nation, undoubtedly, requires collective will to resolve. But how can a citizenry march together under a cloud of cruelty, dishonesty, threats and sheer recklessness by those in the leadership and their minions?

We are told leading requires one to have a vision and sharing it with others. Only when one gets to inspire others can they share a common goal towards which to direct the efforts and dedication of the entire team. We are also told that the leader channels the energy and professional potential to his or her co-workers to achieve the objectives!

Fube campaigned, strategised for Edgar Lungu in the 2016 general elections and now he is not only seeing but also appreciating the failings, the challenges facing the PF leadership. He is seeing and feeling the uncanny side of Edgar and those that surround him.

Edgar has spread his terror and every minister, PF this or that, now can easily issue threats against perceived enemies and those who pose threats to their hold on power.

In this administration, it is easier to pronounce treason charges, economic sabotage and other capital charges against weaker or supposedly potential political elements to force submission and obedience.

Edgar and his handlers have mastered an art of rule through unreasonableness, arbitrary use of State power, and sheer tyranny. There’s no dispute that we are under a repressive regime, tyranny. Look at how they are treating Hakainde Hichilema! Look at how they are treating Chishimba Kambwili! Look at how they have treated anyone who seems to challenge them!

The malfeasance of a leadership that cannot command itself, one that issues all manner of directives and threats against citizens for commenting or asking questions over national issues is dangerous.

And this cannot be allowed. It appears this administration will never appreciate democracy and democratic governance. For the umpteenth time, we advise Edgar and his minions that the use of power is a constant exercise in self-limitation and modesty. It must never be the norm that whoever challenges the course must be harassed, victimized, shut up. Zambians should not live in denial to survive another day from the brutal attack, be it in business, personal, or otherwise, from the ruling PF.

Its either you praise and receive ‘manna or state the truth and you are branded a doomsayer who should not be allowed, shut up.

What a leadership!

In a country where fair comment is reduced to xenophobia, there wont be room for checks and balances.

Leading a people, an organisation, and indeed a nation cannot be through threats, and other repressive actions. It calls for sobering up, truthfully informing the nation, discussing, debating national issues, never prejudicing the citizens.

It must sink in Edgars head that he is not the alpha and omega of this Republic; he is merely a servant of the people, the nation. And a servant cannot be greater than the master. His motivation ought to be restrained because the greater good of the nation is above all his intellect and personal desires.

A leader must always realise that they are only a small cog in a big machine called society, a nation, indeed the world. Edgar thinks he owns the country and Zambia revolves around his circus!