Leading opposition party, PF, says Zambians want it back in power

Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda claims that Zambians are looking to the former ruling for economic and social challenges solutions.

Lubinda said escalating high cost of living due to the rise in prices of essential goods and services was a source of concern.

He said in a statement by PF chairperson for information and publicity Raphael Nakachinda on Sunday that Government’s failure to properly implement the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) was a threat to national food security.

Lubinda also said the failure by Government to meaningfully engage China and other creditors has disrupted the debt restructuring programme thereby rendering the 2023 National Budget ineffective.

He added that the numerous presidential trips that President Hakainde Hichilema has undertaken despite the serious economic crisis faced by the country was a draw back.

Lubinda said most of the meetings can be undertaken by Ambassadors and Ministers.

He called for discipline and unity in the party.

Delivering his Chairman’s Report to the Central Committee held in Lusaka, Lubinda said discipline was required for the party to stand united and move as a force of change for the benefit of the country.

And the Central Committee received an apology from Matero Member of Parliament and Member of the Central Committee Miles Sampa over his remarks of concern attributed to him when he held a press conference on January 28,2023.

This followed concerns by members of the Central Committee and the general membership of the party.

The Central Committee has referred the matter to be dealt by the Acting President.

On the other hand, Nakachinda dislosed that the Central Committee received the draft of the party constitution and has given itself 30 days for consideration and possible adoption before presentation to the extra-ordinary conference for ratification.