Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema says there is need to reform the Public Order Act so that it is no longer open to abuse.
In his message to the nation ahead of African Freedom Day, Mr. Hichilema says as the nation observes this day, there is need to reflect and ask what the nation can do to protect and progress this precious inheritance.
Mr. Hichilema says more than 50 years since independence and more that 20 years since the advent of multi-party democracy, Zambians should be celebrating the delivery of a new people-driven constitution.
UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema
He says a constitution that through its Bill of Rights enshrines valuable protection of various rights for Zambians, including the freedom of expression, the freedom of the media, and various socio-economic rights such as the right to free primary and secondary education for Zambian children.
He adds that while his party is proud of the strong position of Zambia historically as a peaceful and democratic nation, even playing an important role in the struggle for independence and freedom elsewhere in the region, he refuses to accept the status quo until the rights of all Zambians are constitutionally protected and respected by government.
Mr. Hichilema says the events of the past few weeks that have seen yet more attempts to regulate and monitor his movements are just one public example of how not all citizens are treated equally and that protection of these rights is currently insufficient.
The UPND Leader states that he will continue to champion these policies in the interests of all Zambians.
He says government is there to serve the people and if it cannot introduce basic provisions to protect the freedoms of its citizens then the government is failing in its most necessary function.
Mr. Hichilema furthermore states that the proper protection of fundamental human rights is also an essential foundation for progress and proper socio-economic development.
He has since vowed to continue pushing for economic empowerment and liberation through his advocacy of increased investment in education, support for local businesses and training initiatives, improved access to credit for youths, and an end to any discrimination based on age, gender, or tribe.