I remain HH disciple – Cornelius Mweetwa

• Says his political allegiance remains firmly with UPND

MATHEWS MALAZIKA

Lusaka

CHOMA Central Member of Parliament Cornelius Mweetwa says he remains a committed “disciple” of President Hakainde Hichilema despite being left out of the latest ministerial appointments.

Meanwhile, Nalolo MP Imanga Wamunyima says he will push for legislation to penalise political parties whose candidates withdraw from elections after ballot papers have been printed.

Mr Mweetwa, a former Minister of Information and Media, said he has no sense of entitlement to a cabinet position, maintaining that the power to appoint ministers rests entirely with the head of State.

At a media briefing yesterday, Mr Mweetwa also dismissed social media reports suggesting that his exclusion from the ministerial appointments is linked to alleged association with opposition figures.

He said his political allegiance remains firmly with the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Mr Hichilema.

Mr Mweetwa said he is not troubled by being left out of Cabinet, adding that his priority is to support those appointed and advance the Grow Zambia Agenda.

“To me, President Hichilema is the only one I know and serve. I’m making this point to indicate that I’m not a mere Member of Parliament or party official, or mere supporter of President Hichilema; I’m actually a disciple of President Hichilema,” he said.

Mr Mweetwa said he believes in the President’s leadership, having travelled a long political journey and endured the struggle alongside him.

“So, if I were to speak as a Christian, I would say President Hichilema led us out of Egypt into Canaan,” he said.

The lawmaker said President Hichilema is now leading a second struggle aimed at improving the livelihoods of Zambians.

He said he believes in principled politics rather than self aggrandisement; hence he will not allow social media commentary to undermine his political commitment.

Mr Mweetwa also urged UPND supporters to remain vigilant against what he described as propaganda intended to sow divisions within the ruling party.

And Mr Wamunyima said withdrawals from elections waste taxpayers’ money because the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) incurs costs in printing ballot papers. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home