Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Executive Director Father Leonard Chiti has advised acting President Guy Scott to avoid being influenced by any individual or group of people that may want to undermine the desire and will of the people.
Fr Chiti has observed that the rescinded decision by Acting President Dr Guy Scott to remove Edgar Lungu as Patriotic Front Secretary General reinforces the perception that there are divisions within the ruling party, and that there is a parallel structure to the party and government structures that is working to undermine the collective responsibility of government.
Fr Chiti in a statement made available to QFM News today notes that some people associated with this parallel structure are trying to usurp power and manipulate the due processes to be undertaken by selecting a credible and preferable candidate for the ruling party and generally working towards undermining the electoral process.
Fr Chiti states that it is also perceived that some of the people associated with the parallel structure appear to have access to immense financial resources to influence national matters such as the selection of a candidate from the ruling party who would advance their agenda.
He says sadly, some of the public officers who are tasked with safeguarding national interests have fallen prey to these machinations and thereby neglecting their constitutional responsibility of preserving and promoting national interests.
Fr Chiti notes that if not checked, the nation will be plunged into anarchy and tear apart the peace and unity that Zambia has enjoyed as a nation in the last fifty years.
He adds that the recent decisions that have been made in recent times go against the country’s traditions and cultures.
The JCTR Executive Director has since urged the Acting President to demonstrate leadership in managing this difficult and painful transition by being more consultative within the established party and government structures.
He has further called for a more rational, level headed and unifying approach to national matters.
Fr Chiti has advised Dr Scott to display an impartial, objective, professional and statesman like approach to governing the country until the polls in January 2015.
He has also appealed to all Zambians irrespective of their political affiliation to remain calm and continue to mourn the departed President with honour and dignity.
Fr Chiti has further noted with concern the language and tone of some sections of the media which can raise tensions, bring divisions and breach the peace the country has enjoyed for many years.
He has urged such media entities to refrain from this irresponsible behavior and work towards conveying credible information and not to be seen to be peddling falsehoods.
He states that the media should be contributing to easing tensions and project the good image of the country as Zambians welcome the world to mourn with them at this time.