Stop careless tribal talk – Chikwanda

Mr Chikwanda in a statement issued to QFM News says Government is deeply concerned with recent media reports attributed to senior government officials alleging that there is the practice of tribalism in the Patriotic Front (PF) and in government.

Mr Chikwanda says it is indisputable that Zambia’s biggest asset is its peace and unity and that all its people live in harmony.

He adds that in fact, Zambia’s natural unity is its fortress and anyone attempting to bring disunity based on tribe or ethnic grouping is strongly frowned upon.

He says the careless talk about tribalism is dangerous, regrettable and only serves to sow seeds of disunity.

Mr Chikwanda further states that the talk is counter-productive to the well-being of the country and must be curbed immediately.

He also states that the recent happenings in the Patriotic Front are purely internal debate and the normal practice of internal democracy, adding that the political differences in the PF party will be resolved using established channels and its internal grievance handling process.

Mr Chikwanda further adds that the Government is functioning normally and there is no paralysis, fear or dysfunction as alleged by certain media reports.

He says it is therefore, naive and illusory for the Opposition to assume that the internal differences in the PF will result in their reaping political fortunes.

The acting president stresses that diversity of views can never be at variance with the dictates or imperatives of unity.

Mr Chikwanda states that the PF Party will also not yield to selfish interests or private cleavages perpetrated by persons or individuals attempting to hijack the party or pursue agendas which are adrift with the national development agenda.