.LUNGU

By JULIUS PHIRI  –

in Mambwe
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has said he respects the traditional leaders in the country and will not interfere in their selection.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has described late Chief Jumbe as an ardent promoter of development to his area.
He said this in a message delivered by Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda at the burial of late Chief Jumbe IV, Robert Zulu, in Mambwe yesterday.
The President said Government would not interfere in the selection of the next chief because he respects traditional leadership.
He said there was need for the selection of a development-oriented person who would foster development in the family, chiefdom and the nation at large.
“My plea to you the family members is to choose a person who can bring development in the family, chiefdom, Mambwe District and the country as a whole,” President Lungu said.
He asked the family members to care for the widow and the children of late chief.
President Lungu said the Government would continue working hand in hand with the traditional leadership in the country for meaningful developments.
He said Chief Jumbe was like a chief inspector of developmental projects in Mambwe District.
The President said the late chief brought unity as well as development in his chiefdom.
House of Chiefs Chairperson,Chieftainess Nkomenshya Mukamambo II, who was represented by Clerk of House Chiefs Michael Pwete, said late chief was constructive and intelligent.
Senior Chief Nsefu of the Kunda Speaking People said the late Chief Jumbe had died at a time when he was needed most in Kundaland.
Chipata Catholic Diocese Bishop George Lungu said the late Chief was focused on development and Christianity.
Bishop Lungu, who presided at a requiem mass said it was sad that some chiefs were mistreating their subjects by giving them hash punishment.