. HICHILEMA

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has urged Zambians to celebrate the festive season with respect for the peace and calm Zambia enjoys.
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said in a statement yesterday that, regardless of political affiliation, there was need this festive season for Zambians to respect the peace that the country has always enjoyed.
“Regardless of age, gender, tribe or political affiliation, this Christmas, let us respect the peace and calm that the season brings and commit ourselves to carrying the spirit of brotherly love through into the New Year,” Mr Hichilema said.
He said Zambians should love each other as the Bible commands.
Mr Hichilema said Zambians should ignore hateful sentiments that had the potential to undo the great history of peace that the country has.
He said people should spend time with their families this season, adding that the UPND was wishing Zambians happy holidays.
Mr Hichilema said while he thanked God for all the blessings, the opposition party was seeking God’s guidance for 2016 as well as the challenges he was facing.
He said it was unfortunate that there were some Zambians who did not have enough and that those who had should find ways of sharing with others.
The opposition leader said it was a hard time for some Zambians because of the current slow economic growth, rising food prices and power shortages.
Mr Hichilema also said it was a difficult time for him and his party members because of restrictions on their movements.
He said he would continue to offer advice and hold Government accountable as a way of finding solutions to problems.