A SENIOR clergyman from the United Church of Zambia has advised former President Edgar Lungu and his associates to refrain from engaging in tribal rhetoric as they strive for a political return to power.
Bishop Lordwell Siame’s caution comes in the wake of a growing trend by Lungu and those associated with him to use tribal talk as a campaign strategy against their opponents.
After noticing that Lungu, Raphael Nakachinda and Given Lubinda were part of the congregation that attended the commissioning reception service of Deaconess Phaides Mukasa at the UCZ Lusaka Presbytery, Kafue Consistory, Bishop Siame decided to dish out some political advice.
The Bishop’s message attracted cheers and claps from the congregation as Lungu and group also clapped reluctantly.
The clergyman pointed out that a true leader must have a heart for all Zambians and the goal must always be transformational.
“To you who have come as politicians and Christians. The message that I will tell you as your bishop also is that when you go out there know that what you are doing is for God. So wherever you are, never look at your differences look at what is bringing you together. And above all have a heart for Zambians, have a heart for the people.”
“Make sure that your goal should be transformational and your goal should not be any other thing, I pray that the Lord may go with you and may his light shine upon you. Preach peace, preach love,” preached Bishop Siame.
The Bishop further warned that should the former President find a UCZ member engaging in tribal talk, the member should undergo disciplinary action.
“Please avoid tribal talk, we are tired, avoid tribal talk, we are all one in Christ here in the UCZ. The lesson that we have taught you as you are going is that, one in Christ.”
“Ba President if you find a UCZ tribalist, bring him, we have our own systems, we know what to do here with people who promote such in our catechism, we promote unity, we promote love, co-existence and we preach things that bring people together,” he said.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 13, 2024