.HICHILEMA

By CATHERINE NYIRENDA and CHARITY MOONGA –

STATE HOUSE has dismissed as ‘laughable’ claims by opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema that President Michael Sata is behind a ploy to assassinate him.
Mr Hichilema made the claims during a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, saying the alleged attacks on him while in Ndola on the Copperbelt, were orchestrated by the Head of State.
State House Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, George
Chellah said the Head of State was in fact wishing Mr Hichilema long life and that no one wanted to assassinate him.
Mr Chellah said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the nation did not take Mr Hichilema seriously as it was evident that he was fond of issuing unsubstantiated claims.
Mr Chellah said Mr Hichilema’s exaggerated outbursts were not new and
that President Sata would not embrace a culture that was alien to Zambian politics.
‘‘He doesn’t surprise Zambians and the President because assassination is not Zambian and his claims are laughable and extremely exaggerated.
“Mr Hichilema thrives on inflammatory remarks. He thinks he can improve his political party by provoking the Head of State,’’ he said.
He urged Mr Hichilema to carry out a self-introspection and show to the Zambians that he could be regarded as alternative leader instead of preaching hatred.
During the media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Hichilema said the suspected Patriotic Front (PF) party cadres that allegedly attacked him at Sun FM Radio on the Copperbelt aimed at eliminating him.
He alleged that the Police knew the people that were behind the attempted attack but did not apprehend any suspects.
Mr Hichilema, however, called for calm among his supporters and asked
them not to fight back whenever they were attacked as this would perpetuate violence in the country.
And Chief Government Spokesperson Joseph Katema described as  unfounded claims by Mr Hichilema that Government sponsored cadres to harass him.
Dr Katema has since described as baseless Mr Hichilema’s threats to take Government to the International Criminal Court, let alone to call for the resignation of President Sata.
He said the PF Government was disciplined and did not condone lawlessness and indiscipline by anyone regardless of their political affiliation.
He reaffirmed Government’s zero-tolerance for violence, regardless of who was involved as was evidenced by Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba who condemned acts of violence against Mr Hichilema, immediately after it happened.