Stop endorsements – Sata

Mr Sata has also warned those behind the establishment of parallel structures aimed at promoting their “peculiar agenda” to stop confusing the Patriotic Front(PF).

“It is these machinations which are grounded in malice and dishonesty, that have stocked reactions from other members who feel such actions have potential to weaken the cohesion of the party,” he said.

On the public squabbles that rocked the country during his absence, while attending the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York recently, President Sata ordered an immediate end to altercations among party members.

“The public squabbles we have witnessed in the recent past must end and end immediately. I have publicly stated, I am not desperate for endorsement and while I thank the rank and file for the expression of confidence and affection, I must ask all our most ardent supporters to desist from the temptations of endorsement campaign which, well-intentioned as they are, have the effect of causing me discomfort. At the opportune time, I will indicate whether I accept the nomination or not,” he said.

Mr Sata said this at State House in Lusaka yesterday when he swore-in former Munali Member of Parliament Mumbi Phiri as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Maureen Mulenga as Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey.

He reminded party members that at each time, there was a compelling need to avoid confrontations, refrain from polarising the PF and in the process impairing unity and fellowship, which were the foundation of the revolutionary party.

He said in a dynamic party such as the PF, members would express various views and take positions but that it was desirable that members used established channels to express their views.

“From now on, I want loyalists, especially those who serve in my administration, to concentrate on the development agenda. It is the widening and deepening of the areas of development directed towards poverty eradication that will induce the people of Zambia to renew our mandate in 2016,” he added.

Mr Sata said the people of Zambia were becoming increasingly aware and would not be taken for a ride by anyone, let alone the opposition political parties that he accused of having an agenda of deception and hatred.

He said as consistently pointed out, the country had serious developmental programmes taking root throughout the country, which offered an unassailable platform for all in the ruling party.

“Supervision and consolidation of these developmental programmes should leave the PF administration with no time for squabbles,” the President said.