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By Joseph Edegbo:
Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema has lauded roles played by religious leaders in sustainable peace, unity and stability in Zambia.
The President was speaking when a delegation of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, ZCCB visited him.
The delegation was led by ZCCB President, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama who is also Archbishop of Kasama.
He was accompanied by Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde, Rt. Rev. George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu, Rt. Rev. Evans Chinyemba, Rev. Dr Benjamin Phiri, Rt. Rev. Clement Mulenga and Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga Bishop of Mansa.
Others in attendance, included Rt. Rev. Valentine Kalumba, Rt. Rev. Edwin Mulandu, Fr. Francesco Airoldi and Rev. Fr. Francis Mukosa the ZCCB Secretary-General.
“We appreacite the role the church plays in fostering unity and peace in the nation. The church has been a source of stability when conflict was knocking on the door in the 1990s. During the Third Term bid, the church was again there to speak for the masses and today, the church continues to provide that leadership.
“Our administration is resolved to uniting this nation and we need the involvement of the church in achieving this agenda.
“We are on a road to reconstructing this country which can only happen if we operate in a peaceful environment. Only then can we create jobs and business opportunities for all Zambians. We want this country to be a production, processing and a distribution hub.
“We are bringing in a different style of leadership, one that is anchored on good governance and accountability. Our fight against corruption is not a tribal issue; it’s to protect the assets and use that money to create more jobs.
“It’s on this basis that we are working on recovering all assets belonging to Zambians. Our fight against corruption is and will never be selective. We will recover that which belongs to the people of Zambia.