Perspective: Honeymoon is over, Address the Nation Mr. President

President Sata

By Martin Mubita

The daily political quarrels and fashionable fray of trading insults in the public domain and now commonly in social media, though distasteful are indicative of a nation in distress, a nation desirous of leadership, a nation needing direction.

There is a belief in some sections of society that to question, to comment or indeed to criticize the powers that be is a demonstration of a deep seated hatred, a veiled tribalism and a sheer agitation for mass discontent. However, au contraires, such a farce has perhaps gone unattended for too long and has morphed into a normal part of national character and political discourse.

The PF government though led by a president from a distinct tribal grouping, was ironically ushered into government by popular vote transcending tribe and other prejudices but primarily seeking better leadership. It therefore becomes laughable to hear the assertion repeated ad nauseum that seeking answers and accountability in matters of national interest constitutes tribalism. The president is a republican president and not a regional one voted in by all regardless of tribe or race.

It has to remembered gone are the days when the average voter was thought to be a brainless stooge bereft of reason and logic but always pandering to the whims of the leaders of the day.

The vision for a better, united, democratic, prosperous, non-tribal and non-sexist Zambia is one cherished by all and sundry, regardless of political persuasions. It therefore behooves the president to speedily respond to the call for him to calm the nation by addressing issues of national interest among which:

The Controversial Chikopa Tribunal
The Abrupt Removal of Maize and Fuel Subsidies
The Zambia Railways/Chirwa Saga
The Wanton Kampasa Carnage
The Zambeef/Post Saga
The Needless and Costly Bye-elections
The Bloated Cabinet
The Alleged Budget overrun

Heritage Party President Gen. Miranda once said: ‘President Sata’s silence since he assumed office in September 2011 till today is strange and uncharacteristic for one whose hallmark has been talking and talking and talking for 10 years’.

In the spirit of nation building, transparency and patriotism, we implore you Mr. President hear our call! Address us! Twapapata!