Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Former President Rupiah Banda has described outgoing Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan’s acceptance of defeat in the March 28 elections as victory for African democracy.
President Banda says Mr. Jonathan’s graceful exit, after losing to opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari, should be embraced by all incumbent African leaders if the continent’s democracy is to be entrenched.
Rupiah Banda
The former head of State has praised Mr Jonathan for his action and congratulated incoming Nigerian President Buhari, further hoping that the country will find peace in the post-election period.
He states that resistance to leave office after losing elections has been a recipe for bloodshed in many African countries, adding that the continent cannot afford to continue sliding down the path of acrimony.
This is contained in a statement released to Qfm news by his office’s Deputy Administrative Assistant Kennedy Limwanya.
Meanwhile opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has been featured in the New York Times in which he has been reported to have called for the rise of a new generation of politicians focused on delivering change for their people through better economic management as opposed to leaders serving their own personal interests under the guise of politics.
Hakainde Hichilema
Mr Hichilema explained to the New York Times that in Zambia there is nobody who can be called well off when the great majority of the people are still allegedly poor.
He was interviewed in the wake of the victory of opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari in the recently concluded Nigerian elections.
Mr Hichilema then spoke to the New York Times about the impact his victory will have in inspiring citizens in Zambia and elsewhere to campaign for change.