. Lungu

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
PRESIDENT–ELECTED Edgar Lungu has continued receiving congratulatory messages from across the world and within Zambia.
South African President Jacob Zuma is one of the latest heads of State to congratulate Mr Lungu on his re-election.
In his congratulatory message, President Zuma assured and re-confirmed his appreciation of the excellent, warm and close relations that exist between South Africa and Zambia.
Mr Zuma said he was confident that the good relations between the two countries built over the years would continue to grow and prosper under the able leadership of President Lungu.
“I have the honour to convey to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, sincere congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Zambia,” President Zuma said.
This is according to a statement issued by President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda.
Sudanese President Omer Hassan Ahmed El-bashir also sent a message of congratulations.
President El-bashir said President Lungu’s victory was a clear manifestation of the confidence that the people of Zambia had in his leadership.
The Sudanese president said he was confident that the cordial relations that existed between Zambia and Sudan would continue to grow under the noble leadership of President Lungu.
Meanwhile, MMD president Felix Mutati said it was a divine privilege bestowed on Mr Lungu to be  re-elected as President in the August 11 polls.
In his message of congratulations, Mr Mutati said the party did not find it difficult to endorse and support President Lungu’s candidature because of his good leadership anchored on humility, inclusiveness and the fear of God, including many more leadership virtues as exhibited in the short period of time of his presidency.
Mr Mutati said such virtues would help steer the nation to greater heights of development, peace and national unity.
He said he was hopeful that God would inspire President Lungu to identify skilful people to serve the Zambian people.
United Freedom Fighters of Zambia Independence chairperson and national director Sikota Wina described Mr Lungu’s victory as a confirmation by the people of Zambia for the value they placed in his leadership.
Mr Wina extolled President Lungu for demonstrating good leadership through enhancement of democracy, rule of law, implementing sound economic policies, promoting unity through the slogan ‘One Zambia One Nation’ and encouraging national prayers.
“The United Freedom Fighters of Zambia Independence comprising senior veterans and their families who participated in the liberation of our beloved country Zambia from the colonial masters due hereby congratulate you for the victory you scored at the just-ended 11th August 2016 general elections,” Mr Wina said.
ETAMBUYU SANG’ANDU reports that the Bishops Council of Zambia has congratulated Mr Lungu on his re-election.
Council president Bishop Abinala Manda thanked other political parties that participated in the elections for having put up a spirited fight.
Bishop Manda appealed to all losing candidates in all parties to accept the election results as declared by the ECZ as they were according to the wish of the Zambian People.
“We wish to advise political parties that are bitter for losing the elections to stop violence by all means in order to maintain peace in the country as leadership comes only from God,” he said.
He said in a statement that Zambia had enjoyed peace and stability which must be upheld by all peace-loving Zambians throughout the country.
Bishop Manda said the council’s wish was to see Zambia and its leadership blessed so that there was continuation of development delivery in the country.