Hichilema not a trickster, says UPND’s Nkandu as constitutional reforms debates grip the nation

United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy Spokesperson, Elvis Nkandu, has dismissed fears that President Hakainde Hichilema might introduce unpopular clauses during the ongoing constitutional reform process.

Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, Nkandu assured stakeholders that the President had no intention of manipulating the process for political gain.

“Some people are skeptical because of past experiences where constitutional amendments were used to benefit the ruling party. But let me assure you that President Hichilema is not manipulative; he is not a trickster like previous leaders,” Nkandu said.

He explained that the President’s proposal was aimed at improving governance by addressing large and hard-to-manage constituencies.

“In some constituencies, an MP takes more than two weeks to tour the entire area. They are too vast, which is why the President is calling for constitutional amendments to allow for delimitation,” Nkandu added.

On media regulation, Nkandu, who also serves as Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, reiterated the government’s support for self-regulation among journalists to uphold professionalism.

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“We want journalists to regulate themselves to promote professionalism. I have personally been a victim of social media abuse, with false claims that I shot my wife because I have a girlfriend. Such falsehoods are unacceptable,” he said.

Nkandu further emphasized UPND administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, stating that “there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.”

He also announced that President Hichilema would officiate the Youth Day celebrations in Mongu as part of the government’s inclusive agenda.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has called for an immediate end to armed conflicts worldwide, stressing their devastating human, political, social, and economic consequences that hinder sustainable development.

Expressing deep concern over ongoing conflicts in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza, Hichilema warned that violence is diverting global attention from pressing challenges such as inequality, poverty, and climate change.

According to the United Nations, nearly 3,000 people have died in conflicts over the past month, with Sudan’s two-year war resulting in an estimated 150,000 civilian casualties.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year, has claimed over 12,000 lives, while tensions in Gaza continue to escalate.

“These conflicts are preventing countries from addressing urgent global issues like inequality, poverty, and climate change,” President Hichilema said in a statement issued by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to advocating for peace, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The President urged all nations to respect territorial integrity and sovereignty, in line with their obligations under the United Nations Charter and human rights laws.

“There is a need for meaningful dialogue and genuine reconciliation to overcome deep-rooted grievances,” Hichilema stated.

He assured that Zambia would continue working with international partners to promote diplomatic solutions, ensuring inclusive representation and fair outcomes.

“Innocent civilians suffer the most in conflicts but gain the most from peace. It is our duty to protect and defend their interests,” he said.