Kampyongo okays UPND East meeting
By Staff Reporter
Home Affairs minister Stephen Kampyongo has allowed the UPND to hold the planned card renewal exercise in Eastern Province this Saturday.
In a letter dated February 15, Kampyongo ordered police to let the exercise go ahead after he met UPND officials Jack Mwiimbu, Garry Nkomo and Levy Ngoma.
“I write to respond to your letter dated 12th February, 2018 on the above subject (Cancellation of UPND card renewal exercise in Eastern Province). As a matter of policy, we do not, as a Ministry responsible for internal security indeed government as a whole, make decisions for the Zambia Police Service on any operational matters,” Kampyongo stated in part. “
“The operational matters are left to the Zambia Police Service officers, who are expected to discharge their duties professionally and in a responsible manner.”
He stated that after meeting with the three UPND representatives, it was decided that the police accommodate the party’s planned card renewal on Saturday so that the exercise could not be caught up with other planned public events in the same province.
He, however, complained that the UPND letter was confrontational, while admitting that where there were misunderstandings, it was important to engage each other and discuss as it was on that particular day.
“However, following discussions this morning with your representatives; Honourable Jack Mwiimbu; Honourable Gary Nkombo; as well as Mr. Ngoma, it has been decided that the Zambia Police Service should accommodate your planned card renewal exercise in Chipata, Eastern Province on 17th February, 2018,” stated Kampyongo.
“This is to ensure that the exercise does not get caught up by other planned public events in the same province. I must, however underline that your letter was rather confrontational. Zambia is a multi-party democracy with space for all political players to organise and mobilise support within the confines of the law. Where there are misunderstandings, it is important to engage and discuss as we did this morning. I look forward to working with you and indeed all the other political players in preserving peace and public order in our country.”
