By 
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to individuals who break the law in the name of democracy and human rights, saying they should not expect sympathy when law enforcement agencies act against them.
Hichilema said those who choose to veer off the law should remain within the confines of the legal system and face the consequences of their actions without attacking the law through individuals.
Hichilema said this at State House in Lusaka on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed Deputy Auditor General in charge of Audit Division, Patricia Malaila.
“The law applies equally to all citizens regardless of status or age, stressing that wrongdoing will be met with legal action,” the Head of State said.
He also warned against deliberately creating a political crisis where none exists for selfish interests, urging citizens to accept democratic outcomes and move the country forward.
Hichilema further explained his decision not to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly as part of government cost-cutting measures, stating that he did not go to the UN General Assembly to cut costs.
“I have reduced both the size of official delegations and the duration of foreign trips to save public resources, people used to go there for 1 month but non of that is happening,” he said.
Hichilema stressed that the practice of prolonged stays abroad would no longer be tolerated, stating that no one was allowed to stay for a month as was done in the past.
He noted that by staying back, those who would have accompanied him also remain in the country, resulting in significant savings of public money.
Hichilema directly addressed the Vice President on the need for leadership by example in prudent use of resources, stating that if the two of them were prudent, the rest would fall in line.
He criticised negative social media commentary, stating that such posts scare off domestic, regional and international investors he has worked hard to attract.
“There is no crisis in the country, noting that Zambians voted in an election, decisions were made, and the nation must now move on,” Hichilema maintained.
He cited improving economic indicators as evidence of progress, stating that in the election season into August, inflation came down to 6.2% and this month of September it is going down to 6.1%.
The President further disclosed that the economy grew by 7.2% in the second quarter of this year, describing it as a sign that the country is moving in the right trajectory.
He emphasised the importance of security, peace and stability as prerequisites for focusing on the Grow Zambia agenda, urging citizens at home and abroad to act responsibly and not damage the country.
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