Wina directs police to deal with violent cadres

VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has directed Police to sternly deal with individuals perpetrating violence ahead of this Thursday’s Solwezi West parliamentary by- election.
Mrs Wina said there is a ward in Solwezi West where leaders of a named political party are dishing out money to some youths to harass Patriotic Front (PF) members whenever they visit the area.
The Vice-President appealed to political party leaders to restrain their youths from engaging in violence and not to use them to perpetrate the vice.

“If the perception is telling you that your party is losing an election, you don’t need to fight but unfortunately there is a ward in Solwezi West known for violence where leaders are giving money to young people to cause violence when they hear that leaders of PF are coming,” Mrs Wina said.
The Vice-President was speaking yesterday when she addressed a public rally at Mwajimambwe Primary School grounds to drum up support for PF Solwezi West Parliamentary candidate Martin Mbaya.
Mrs Wina commended PF members for conducting peaceful campaigns in the run up to the by-election.
“I salute you for keeping peace here,” she said.
Mrs Wina has also urged the electorate in Solwezi West to vote for Mr Mbaya in order to foster development in the area.
She said sustainable development can only come from the government and by working with the PF.
“The party that is controlling the purse is the PF at the moment but there are some people who are coming here to tell you to vote for them and they will bring development using their money. That is not possible,” Mrs Wina said.
She said PF wants to work with members of Parliament from all political parties to foster national development.
Mrs Wina said it is unfortunate that the United Party for National Development (UPND) does not want its MPs to work with the government.
She advised people to vote for Mr Mbaya who will work well with the government.
“We would like to have Martin Mbaya work with us and so remember that your vote is very important to the development of this place,” Mrs Wina said.
She said PF will remain in power even after next year’s tripartite elections.
Mrs Wina said Government has initiated a number of empowerment programmes for women and the youth
She is, however, disappointed that very few people in the region are accessing empowerment funds due to lack of proper representation to sensitise them on how to apply for the funds.
She said Government has allocated part of the Eurobond to the youth development fund and she advised the people to vote for Mr Mbaya who can help them access the fund.
Earlier, PF North Western Province chairperson Emmanuel Chihili and campaign manager Richard Kapita said it is now evident that victory is certain for the ruling party in Solwezi West.