. Kambwili

By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
CHIEF Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has challenged students at the Copperbelt University (CBU) to lead by example in their conduct and not to allow themselves to be used by politicians.
Mr Kambwili called on the students, as intellectuals, to endeavour to champion and preach peace.
Speaking after holding a closed door meeting with the Copperbelt University Students Union (COBUSU) in Kitwe, Mr Kambwili said Government was concerned with the riotous behaviour exhibited by the students who were supposed to be role models in society.
“As students you are supposed to educate the public on the economic issues the country is going through, rather than engaging in violence, whose consequences are grave,” he said.
Mr Kambwili urged the students not to allow themselves to fall prey to politicians, who were in the tendency of giving them money to indulge in misconduct at the expense of their education.
He said Government had not refused to pay students, their allowances and that it was saddening that they had decided to take matters in their own hands, by rioting, instead of engaging in dialogue over the matter.
He hoped that this was the last time the students would resort to such actions, that were detrimental to their future goals.
COBUSU acting president Peter Nyongani pleaded with Government to reconsider the decision to expel those identified as ringleaders of the protests, as they had shown remorse over their actions.
Mr Nyongani also appealed to Government to re-evaluate its decision to remove meal allowances as most students depended on it for their survival.