‘Muchinga is a No-Go Area For HH’, Says Province PF Chairman

The PF’s Chairman for Muchinga Province, Alex Simuwelu, has declared that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema is not welcome in the province while calling for unity in the national fight against Covid-19.

Mr Simuwelu said that during a time of national crisis such as the current pandemic, political campaigns and point-scoring should be suspended in favour of the collective good. 

“This is that time when patriotism and love of country summons us to close ranks and put politics aside as we engage a vicious mutual enemy in a ferocious fight”, he said.

It follows two incidents last week in which Mr Hichilema was barred from appearing on a Muchinga radio stations by PF officials and cadres. 

The first incident, on 13th May, saw the UPND leader blocked from his appearance on Mpika FM by local District Commissioner Moses Katebe. A second incident, just two days later, involved alleged PF cadres invading Muchinga Radio’s broadcasting station in Chinsali in order to block another interview with Mr Hichilema. 

Both incidents were condemned by Minister for Information Dora Siliya. 

Muchinga Province is one of the country’s worst affected regions for Covid-19, with significant hotspots flaring up in Nakonde and Chinsali.

In his statement, Mr Simuwelu urged citizens to focus on tackling the outbreak and to rally behind President Lungu.

“We need all hands in the province on deck rallying with our Commander in Chief His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu as he leads the assault on the virus”, he said. 

The PF chairman has advised that no UPND politician will be allowed to broadcast on Muchinga radio stations while the country deals with the effects of the pandemic. 

He added that only programming related to Covid-19 sensitisation and development would be approved for broadcast. 

PF Muchinga Province Chairman Alex Simuwelu