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Zambia: PF faction to hold separate memorial service for late President Sata

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A faction of Zambia’s main opposition party, the Patriotic Front (PF), has announced plans to hold a memorial service for late President Michael Sata who passed away on October 28, 2014, in a London hospital, ahead of the official service organised by the state.

According to the programme of event announced on Sunday by the faction Vice President, Given Lubinda, the 10th memorial of the late President, who was Zambia’s fifth head of state, will take place at the Anglican Cathedral in Lusaka, with President Hakainde Hichilema as guest of honor.

At a media briefing held on Sunday, Lubinda invited PF members to attend the alternative service in green attire to honor Sata’s legacy.

“We are grateful to the Catholic Church for allowing us to hold a service at the Cathedral of Child Jesus. All who loved the late President should join us tomorrow,” Lubinda stated.

He also dismissed allegations by those he described as detractors who criticized PF’s decision to hold a separate service, asserting that the party remained committed to celebrating Sata’s life.

Meanwhile, former President Edgar Lungu has reiterated his commitment to rescue the PF, claiming many Zambians regret sidelining him in the 2021 elections.

He expressed determination to protect the nation’s interests and uphold the vision of late President Michael Sata.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Emmanuel Mwamba, Lungu described his electoral defeat as “God’s will” and suggested it had allowed Zambians to “see the difference.”

“It surprised me that people still do not understand why they voted for the United Party for National Development (UPND),” he said.

Lungu disclosed that he chose not to challenge the 2021 election results to maintain national peace, but revealed that his recent decision to re-enter politics stems from concerns over what he sees as external efforts to divide the PF, allegedly backed by UPND.

“I became President through the PF and shared Sata’s vision for a better Zambia. Abandoning the PF for a pension from Mr. Hichilema would have been the ultimate betrayal,” Lungu stated.

While addressing controversies surrounding the recent memorial service for Sata, Lungu criticized those he accused of attempting to hijack the ceremony, and comparedv their actions to witchcraft.

“It’s like someone bewitching your son, then taking over his funeral. Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, a Catholic himself, should have prevented this from happening in a church that Sata belonged to,” Lungu said.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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