Former Secretary to Cabinet condemns Lungu’s alleged threats against civil servants

Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Leslie Mbula, has condemned former President Edgar Lungu for allegedly threatening to retaliate against civil servants who he claimed were working against his return to power.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Mbula described Lungu’s comments as not only unfortunate but as an effort to undermine the efficient operations of the government and the State.

He emphasized that as a former president, Lungu should understand that the public service is guided by strict rules and procedures of professionalism.

Mbula reminded Lungu that civil servants were non-partisan and served any government elected by the people of Zambia.

“It is, therefore, disappointing that a former president can issue threats against civil servants at a political rally, aimed at instilling fear in public service workers,” Mbula stated.

He expressed disbelief that a former Head of State, someone who once wielded significant power and authority, could make such threatening statements against the very citizens he claims to want to lead again.

Mbula added that those aspiring to lead the country should exhibit humility in their engagements with the electorate to build confidence and trust.

“Public service workers are not expected to massage the egos of politicians but rather to ensure the professional delivery of services to the country, as required by law and the general guidelines of their employment,” he said.

He further stressed that civil servants should not succumb to empty political threats, as doing so would hinder their ability to perform their duties according to public expectations and in line with the law.

“Given the critical role they play, the civil service should be protected from overly egoistic politicians who may seek to abuse them for narrow, sectarian interests,” Mbula stated.

He also observed that police officers had become easy targets for political abuse when they attempt to professionally fulfill their mandate of maintaining peace and order.

Mbula cautioned that such statements from politicians had the potential to instill fear in public service workers.

“We have not forgotten how the former ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), used cadres to eject public service workers from their offices on mere suspicion of supporting the opposition. Nor have we forgotten how civil servants were fired or retired in the so-called national interest by Mr. Lungu’s government,” he said.

Lungu, speaking at a rally organized by the Citizens First party in Samfya, Luapula Province, reportedly threatened to “sort out” police officers and civil servants perceived to be obstructing his return to power.

In a statement widely circulated on social media, Lungu is heard saying: “I want you to know that if you are doing the right thing as a police officer or civil servant and you get fired for that, in 2026 you will come back and be promoted.

“But if you are doing stupid and foolish things, we will follow you as an individual in your own house. And we will sort you out. This is not a fake promise; this is not a threat. We will follow you individually, whether you come from Mugubudu or Samfya, we will follow you individually and deal with you as such. But if you are doing the right thing, you will be rewarded, get that clearly.”

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