FORMER Lusaka Province minister Bowman Lusambo has condemned the online attacks perpetuated by some bloggers and opposition leaders on Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) deputy head, Chipo Mwanawasa.
Chipo, a daughter of late President Levy Mwanawasa has recently been targeted by social media bullies who accused her of myriad of issues including being pregnant.
Surprisingly, even some opposition party leaders have joined the malicious campaign against Chipo.
In a statement this morning, Lusambo stated that the attacks against Mwanawasa are personal in nature and hinge on her professional relationship with President Hakainde Hichilema.
The former minister noted that Chipo was hired to work at State House purely on merit due to her professional skills and competencies.
He called on the nation to encourage and support her work as she serves as a good role model for young professional women.
“We have watched with dismay the incessant attacks on the persona of Ms. Chipo Mwanawasa by several faceless online bloggers. We wish to place it on record that Chipo is part of our family, she is our young sister.”
“Her Dad, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was our Father, a Lamba who hailed from Masaiti District and we feel compelled to defend and protect our young sister especially when her personal and professional standing is brought into disrepute. We Lambas believe that when you attack one, you attack all of us,” said Lusambo.
He also condemned those bringing President Hichilema into the online discussions, describing it as despicable and highly unfortunate.
Lusambo said the presidency is the highest office in the land and therefore, it deserves the highest form of respect by all means.
“President Hichilema is a family man who has managed his family issues in an exemplary fashion and dragging his name and that of his family into this issue is complete nonsense.”
“We sometimes differ with President Hichilema purely on principle especially on his governance style but we will always protect the office he occupies from ridicule, disdain and disrepute,” wrote Lusambo.
He further urged those with the appetite to spread malicious falsehood against the President or any government official to cease forthwith.
“Over and above, as Zambians, let us summon the spirit of Ubuntu to guide us as we interact with one another. Chipo lost a woman she loved, her Mother, barely a month ago and launching this obnoxious attack on her is ill timed.”
“Please, allow Chipo and the broader Mwanawasa family extended time of tranquility and privacy to sufficiently mourn the passing of Madam Maureen Mwanawasa,” said Lusambo.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 15, 2024
 deputy head, Chipo Mwanawasa.){kind=link}