The lingering face-off between the Zambian government and former President Edgar Lungu has taken a new dimension after the police in Lusaka cordoned off the secretariat of the Patriotic Front (PF) located on Panganani Road to prevent the ex-Head of State from holding a scheduled media briefing.

Zambia Monitor reports that police officers, armed with anti-riot vehicles, surrounded the premises, denying entry to any individual, while officers were seen conducting security drills at the scene, preparing for potential unrest.

The report stated that the police presence at the PF Secretariat appears to be part of a broader clampdown that coincided with the 10th memorial of the late 5th Republican President Michael Sata, an annual service for Sata, conducted by Lusaka Archdiocese Catholic Bishop Dr. Alick Banda, which took place at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus at Pope Square.

“However, on Monday morning, police also blocked the entrances to the Cathedral, disrupting the memorial preparations. Bishop Banda and other church leaders were prevented from accessing the venue until around 10:00 a.m., when a compromise was reached with the police, allowing the service to proceed,” the reputable platform noted.

It added that PF faction Vice President Given Lubinda who addressed the situation, explained that Lungu’s absence at Sata’s memorial service would be clarified during the rescheduled media briefing at the PF Secretariat.

“Today marks a special day as we gather at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus to honor Michael Chilufya Sata. Our president, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, should have led, but he is not here, and I will not pre-empt the reasons because we have a press briefing tomorrow at the party Secretariat,” Lubinda stated.

“The memorial for Sata has historically been a significant event for PF members and supporters, underscoring the party’s legacy and connection to the late leader.

“However, this year, heightened security tensions and Lungu’s conspicuous absence have fueled speculation within political circles.

“In addition to sealing off the PF Secretariat, police have also cordoned off Embassy Park, where Lungu and PF faction leaders were scheduled to lay a wreath in honour of Sata.

“Heavily armed officers remain stationed at the park, restricting access and maintaining a watchful presence.

“The police’s actions have raised questions among PF members and supporters about the government’s stance toward opposition activities, as tensions within Zambian politics continue to escalate,” the Zambia Monitor said in the report.

A new report released by the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24 has revealed that approximately 15 per cent of Nigerian girls aged between 15 and 19 have fallen victims of teenage pregnancy.

The NDHS report released on Monday at a round table conference in Abuja, described the situation as a pressing national health issue requiring urgent intervention from governments at various levels.

It reveals that the rates of teenage pregnancy were significantly higher in rural areas, particularly in the North West and North East regions due to the low educational levels and poor enlightenment programmes.

The report also described the risks linked to teenage pregnancy, including maternal health complications, loss of educational opportunities, and increased poverty cycles.

The report further indicated that 11 per cent of these young women had already given birth, with four per cent currently pregnant and two per cent experiencing pregnancy loss, reflecting potential gaps in healthcare access and support.

“Addressing the socioeconomic and educational impacts, teenage pregnancy rates are notably higher among girls from lower wealth quintiles and with limited educational attainment,” the report said, adding that poverty and restricted opportunities have also contributed to the problem.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate who was at the conference, highlighted current policies and initiatives aimed at curbing teenage pregnancy, such as sexual and reproductive health education, access to contraceptives, and youth support programmes.

On his part, Aminu Magashi, Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), stressed the importance of expanding initiatives focused on education, healthcare access, and community support to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve reproductive health among adolescents.

“Comprehensive sexuality education is one of the most effective tools we have. By providing teenagers with accurate information on reproductive health, contraception, and healthy relationships, we empower them to make informed decisions,” Magashi said.

He added that state governments were implementing programmes to make contraceptives, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), accessible, especially in rural areas where teenage pregnancy rates remain high.