Lungu cautions over enactment of a new constitution

PRESIDENT Lungu has challenged those advocating the speedy enactment of a new constitution to first read contents of the draft document and the road map before making certain demands.
The President said although he does not want to prejudice what Minister of Justice Ngosa Simbyakula is doing to ensure the enactment of a good constitution, he has read the draft document and knows certain implications involved.
Speaking when he addressed Zambians living in Angola during dinner on Friday evening, Mr Lungu said Government is not against the quick enactment of a new constitution but it is just being cautious in the process of doing so because of some implications involved.
“There are implications such as costs which people should be cautious about. I know that there are very few Zambians who have read the draft constitution.
“You have to read the draft constitution and the road map so that you know what you are talking about,” he said.
President Lungu said Government has shown commitment to enacting a people-constitution by releasing the draft document and the road map.
And President Lungu has urged Zambians in the diaspora to consider forming partnerships with their colleagues back home and set up business enterprises which can create jobs.
The President said Government is ready to protect such partnership businesses as they will help create employment and reduce poverty among Zambians.
Mr Lungu also encouraged Zambians in the diaspora to consider investing back home because they will return to their native country one day.
“If you are married, come back with your spouses and we will give them citizenships,” he said.
President Lungu also said one of the main things discussed during his private talks with Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos was doing away with the visa requirement for people travelling from Zambia to Angola and vice versa.
Mr Lungu said the matter is being dealt with at the highest level and assured that the problem will soon be sorted out once complex matters such as security are addressed especially for people living along the border.
He also said he accepted the invitation by President Dos Santos to visit Angola because this will help strengthen relations between the two countries,
The President said relations between Zambia and Angola have not been clear in recent years hence the need to rekindle the once cordial bilateral ties.
And President Lungu said Government is exploring many options on how to procure crude oil cheaply and that Angola is the biggest option.
Speaking earlier, First Lady Esther Lungu urged Zambians living in foreign countries to always have a feeling that they are Zambians who will one day return home.
Mrs Lungu also urged Zambians in the diaspora to remain united, loving and peaceful to show the world that Zambia is a haven of peace.
“Let people know that Zambia is a peaceful country. We have come a long way because of the grace of God, so let’s continue being peaceful,” she said.