Why should Zambians trust Lungu – HH

Hakainde Hichilema

President Lungu has pleaded with voters on the Copperbelt to trust him. Following reports of growing opposition strength in the area he has sought to explain away current challenges by saying he did not cause them and that Zambians should trust him. But what has Lungu ever done for Zambians to trust him?

Mr. Lungu must know that trust is not something people can just give blindly. You must give people reasons to trust you. Often this will be on the basis of certain personal qualities or your track record based on past performance. Here is where the problem lies for our President: broken promises and betrayal have been routine for the PF in Copperbelt and across the country over the past five years and Lungu himself has fallen down very publicly on this measure by assuring miners that they would not lose their jobs just weeks before thousands were made redundant. Meanwhile, even at State House he has been at odds with many of his ministers, with several defecting and more supporters leaving the PF than at any other time in the party’s history.

If Mr. Lungu is a true leader then he must also know that when you hold an office such as the presidency there is a big responsibility that comes with both action and inaction. This is just as true in the case of the economy as it is with the rising levels of crime and violence in the country, which are in part a factor of the failure by authorities to serve justice for victims. Our President may not have hacked anyone with a panga personally, but by failing to oversee justice for the victims he is presiding over an environment in which such violent behaviour is likely to persist.

On the economy, if we are vulnerable to copper then it is because government has not walked the talk on diversification. If mining companies have halted operations then it is because PF policy flip-flops have increased uncertainty and the power sector crisis has increased costs. Moreover, the speed of the PF’s reaction to events has been unacceptable, always waiting until a situation spirals out of control or frustration spills out onto the streets to take any action.

In sum, make your appeals but know that your failure to lead with compassion, strength and clarity of purpose, as well as the string of broken promises and flip-flops means by now the majority of Zambians wouldn’t trust you with their wallet, let alone the future of their great nation. Lead by example and earn that trust, don’t just ask for it.

Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President