By 
Former Kasenengwa Constituency lawmaker, Sensio Banda, has urged President Hakainde Hichilema and opposition leaders not to use the period of national grief following the death of former President Edgar Lungu as a smokescreen for temporary political tolerance.
Responding to President Hichilema’s national address—where he called for unity, peace, and love during and beyond the mourning period—Banda said rhetorics alone could not substitute justice, fairness, and true inclusivity.
In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Banda emphasized that calls for peace were hollow without policies that guaranteed equal participation and protection for all Zambians, regardless of political affiliation.
“The late President Lungu deserves to be honored with the dignity befitting the high office he once held. That is not only decent—it is the duty of every Zambian,” Banda said.
He added that national unity must be built on sincere actions, not just comforting speeches.
“These words must shape policy, conduct, and leadership beyond the funeral. Zambians do not need soothing rhetoric; they need action that fosters genuine unity, peace, and justice for all,” he said.
Banda warned against the cycle of beautiful speeches followed by disappointing deeds, saying Zambians were looking for sincerity, not perfection.
“As the saying goes, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We are watching. We are waiting,” he stated.
He noted that the country would eventually know whether the President’s message was driven by political expediency or marked a genuine change of heart.
“Unity is not tested when things are easy—it is tested in moments like this. Will dissenting voices be embraced or silenced? Will political opponents be treated as fellow Zambians or branded enemies for daring to differ?” Banda questioned.
Meanwhile, Democratic Union Party leader Ackim Njobvu urged political leaders to refrain from issuing inflammatory statements during and after the mourning period.
Njobvu said careless remarks risked deepening national divisions and stalling the country’s development.
In a related statement, National Restoration Party (NAREP) leader and UPND Alliance spokesperson Ezra Ngulube expressed solidarity with President Hichilema, commending his leadership during the national mourning.
Ngulube endorsed the President’s message of unity, reflection, and collective responsibility.
He urged all Zambians to set aside political differences and honor the legacy of the late former President Lungu with dignity, while upholding peace and reconciliation.
“This is a moment for Zambia to reflect on our shared history and recommit to a future anchored in dialogue, respect, and service to the nation,” Ngulube stated.
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