By JAMES KUNDA –
JUBILATION characterised the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Eleventh National Assembly in Lusaka yesterday as President Edgar Lungu made his maiden address to the August House.
Parliament Buildings were abuzz with song and dance as cultural troops and the Patriotic Front (PF) choir set the stage alight prior to the President’s arrival.
People from all walks of life including members of the Diplomatic Corps had thronged the premises in anticipation of the President’s message to the nation.
The Presidential motorcade entered Parliament Buildings through the copper-plated gate at 10:00 hours with the vehicle carrying Mr Lungu and First Lady Esther, befittingly escorted by the Zambia Police.
On arrival, the First couple was received by Service Chiefs and Mr Lungu proceeded to the Presidential saluting dais for the 21 gun-salute accorded to him by the salute troop of the Zambia artillery as the National Anthem played.
The 21 gun-salute was accorded to the President simultaneously with the three jet fly-past by the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
President Lungu then proceeded to inspect a guard of honour mounted for him by the second Battalion of the Zambia Regiment before returning to the dais for the second Presidential salute.
The Head of State then inspected a guard of honour and witnessed a match past, as another fly-past by ZAF concluded proceedings.
At this point, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and his wife Ethel had descended to the foot of the steps at the Buildings to receive the First Couple, which was in the company of State House staff.
As the first couple ascended to the main buildings, the President waived at the entertainers and he joked with Dr Matibini while gesturing at some of the skills being portrayed by the cultural ensemble.
At 10:30, the traditional drum, Ngoma Yabukali, heralded the approach of the President and Dr Matibini through the Member’s lobby to the left of the Presidential chair.
The First Lady had already entered the Chamber and took her position on the left of the Presidential Chair.
Mr Lungu and Dr Matibini thereafter entered the Chamber to the accompaniment of traditional music, Maoma, as the Head of State proceeded to sit on his chair and commence the address.
After his speech, President Lungu walked out of the main building at 12:40 hours and stood on the dais for the final Presidential salute.
The Presidential motorcade left Parliament Buildings five minutes later.