By DELPHINE ZULU and MILDRED KATONGO –

THE opposition MMD and the National Restoration Party (NAREP) have applauded President Edgar Lungu for declaring October 18, a National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Reconciliation as an annual event.
Mr Lungu announced during the national day of prayer and fasting last Sunday that October 18, would be designated as a public holiday dedicated to prayer and fasting every year.
“I never thought I would live long enough to see the actualisation of Zambia really responding to God in this manner because nationwide prayer is key to national peace, unity and love,” Dr Mumba said.
He said the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation and the declaration of October 18  as the National Day of Prayer and Fasting, were the pillars that Zambia could hang on to the aspiration of the people.
NAREP president Elias Chipimo in welcoming the declaration said, the day would bring unity in the country as well as reconciliation.
“When a national leader calls for national prayers and has been responded to by the majority, it is no doubt that it is a good thing for the nation, I feel blessed to have been part of the gathering at the Showgrounds,” he said.
Mr Chipimo, however said,   the real challenge was how Zambians would respond to this call for the betterment of Zambia in terms of unity, peace and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the Council of Elders in North-Western Province has also joined others in commending President Lungu for setting  October  18, as a public holiday dedicated to national prayer and fasting.
Council of Elders chairperson Lucas Chikoti said the occasion had brought harmony and co-existence among Zambians.
Mr Chikoti said this would also reduce the tribal differences that have been experienced in the recent past among Zambians.
“As the council of Elders in the province, we are happy that the President has set aside  October 18 as a day of prayer; this has brought unity and peace among Zambians.
This will also reduce  tribal differences,” he said.
Mr Chikoti said Zambians had only one nation, hence the need to love, respect one another and be united.
Mr Chikoti noted that traditional leaders played a key role in ensuring that people, especially their subjects were united.
He said the council would not accept traditional leaders who were dividing the people by way of verbal attacks.