Main opposition party, PF, accuses govt of restricting movement of ex-president Lungu (video)

The Patriotic Front (PF), led by Edgar Lungu, has accused the government of restricting the movement of the former President.

Faction Secretary-General, Raphael Nakacinda, expressed dismay over the State’s handling of the former president, stating, “The desperation shown by the State regarding the former president is unacceptable and should be condemned.”

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka on Monday, Nakacinda referenced a recent incident in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province, where police were deployed upon learning that Lungu had been invited to attend a church service.

He alleged that: “Government even went ahead to request the former Head of State to indicate his movements, rather than allowing him to move freely without the State’s approval.”

Nakacinda raised concerns about the narrative being championed by the United Party for National Development (UPND), stating, “The movement and any activity that the former president requires apparently need permission, suggesting that he does not enjoy freedom of association and expression.”

Read More: ‘Big mistake,’ Lungu accuses Hichilema of abuse of power, strangle hold on institutions of State

He further claimed that police harassment and intimidation of church members and congregants at the Catholic Church in Kitwe were unfortunate.

Nakacinda emphasized that President Hakainde Hichilema’s primary challenge was not Lungu and the PF faction but the struggling economy.

“We have advised the President to focus on fixing the economy and improving the well-being of the Zambian people and then he won’t need to worry about Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front,” Nakacinda added.

Regarding accusations against faction Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Emmanuel Mwamba, Nakacinda stated, “State House machinery has accused Mwamba of initiating the booing of President Hakainde Hichilema at Heroes Stadium.”

He alleged that cadres were allegedly mobilised to boo Lungu at the stadium and later at a football match in Matero.

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