Lungu takes oath

President Edgar Lungu and Vice- President Inonge Wina have taken oath of office at a fully packed Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium and have given their collective vision for the nation for the next five years.

In his 43 minutes inaugural speech this morning, President Lungu has assured the nation that he will leave the nation better than he found it.

The Head of State has also disclosed that he will appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate post-election violence experienced in certain parts of the country.

President Lungu has thanked the people of Zambia for exhibiting maturity after the elections by remaining peaceful even to extents of provocation.

He says even though there were some pockets of hostility in certain parts of the country after the elections, Zambians generally conducted themselves in a peaceful manner.

He has warned public workers not to engage in any corrupt activities saying they will face the wrath of the law without protection.

He has also assured that there is no time for him to settle scores saying he has a lot on his table in terms of development.

President Lungu has appealed to all Zambian citizens that he needs their full support during his five year term of office.

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who represented visiting Presidents, says according to the election observers, Zambia’s elections were held in a free and fair environment.

Mr. Mugabe has also advised against using violence just to be in office saying Zambia has been known as a beacon of peace for many years.

He has also encouraged the nation to avoid tribalism but rather remain as one people.

The inauguration of President Lungu and Ms Wina was witnessed by some foreign heads of states which include Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, Botswana’s Ian Khama.

Tanzania President John Magufuli was represented by his Vice President, Paul Dlamini, the Deputy Prime Minister of Swaziland, Namibian Vice-President, Nicky Iyambo, Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Chilima and Kenyan Deputy President, William Ruto.

Others who have attended are African Union Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Dr. Anthony Mothae Maruping, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Secretary-General Sindiso Ngwenya and African Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Chairman, Joseph Chilengi.

Dr. Stergomena Lawrence, who is Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary as well as Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Pacific and Consultative Conference and International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) representatives were also in attendance.