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Zambia: Police seals off PF secretariat ahead of planned media briefing by ex-President Lungu

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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.

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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