PF MPs advise Lungu to retire

PF MPs advise Lungu to retire, call for dialogue with Hichilema

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Members of Parliament have called on former President Edgar Lungu to retire from active politics, urging him to support President Hakainde Hichilema in spearheading national development.

The appeal was made during a press briefing at the National Assembly premises by nine Patriotic Front (PF) MPs, including Kantanshi lawmaker Anthony Mumba.

On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the former Head of State was ineligible to contest future presidential elections following years of debate on Lungu’s eligibility in the country considering that he contested in the previous general election were he lost to the current President, Hakainde Hichilema.

The court ruled that Lungu was ineligible because he already served two terms.

Following the rulling, PF MPs called for a press briefing and Mumba spoke on behalf of his colleagues.

Mumba said the parliamentarians respected the recent court ruling and acknowledged Lungu’s commitment to the law throughout his political career.

He thanked Lungu who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021 stating the former president remained a prominent figure in their party despite stepping down after losing the 2021 general election.

“His legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Zambia. However in light of this court ruling we respectively appeal to president Edgar Lungu to finally retire form active politics and assume his rightful role as a true statement and support his brother President Hakainde Hichilema and the government in delivering development for our country,” Mumba said.

“We also call upon President Hichilema and president Edgar Lungu to engage in dialogue, puting the interest of Zambia above all else. As a party we remain committed to supporting initiatives that support development for our people and the country at large.”

Mumba said it was high time to use this moment as an opportunity to heal from tensions the country had experienced and work towards a brighter future for all Zambians.

“Zambia is indeed larger than any one individual, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its prosperity,” Mumba said.

Meanwhile Mumba urged the PF party leadership to reorganise and put their leadership structures in order.