PF MPs Need to Stop Framing National Issues as Tribal, Says Mweeta

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has expressed its shock and disappointment with some Patriotic Front Members of Parliament over recent remarks about tribal divisions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Choma, UPND Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said that the ruling party feels tribal sentiments are being manipulated by some PF parliamentarians when dealing with national issues, in order to present themselves as victims in UPND’s ongoing fight against corruption.

Mr. Mweeta added that these comments are not only deliberately divisive but also lack substance considering that the attempt to root out politically corruption is purely judicially driven, not ethnically.

PF members such as Chisimba Kambwili are currently under police investigation over recent comments and allegations of perpetuating tribalism. His case is currently awaiting approval from the Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before prosecution can proceed. 

Mr. Mweetwa said that the PF parliamentarians blur the real issues at hand by anchoring their debates in parliament on tribal sentiments, advising them that the house is not a platform to propagate ethnic inclinations.

However, Mr. Mweetwa also appeared assured that, even despite distracting outbursts by the likes Kambwili and Sean Tembo, the Zambian people remain preoccupied with seeing the UPND government deliver on its election promises, key among them, economic recovery.

He has also distanced the UPND from claims that the state plans to eliminate Mr. Sean Tembo, president for emerging party Patriots of Economic Progress (PEP). Mweeta stressed that the ruling party has no time for such trivialities.