By Kombe Mataka
FORMER president Edgar Lungu says he has done away with politics.
In a news clip aired on Millennium TV on Monday night, Lungu said he had come to learn that in his situation everything that he does is being misconstrued as “politicking”.
He said he had formed a foundation which he has named after him.
According the foundation’s website, the vision is to promoting peace, and transformation of vulnerable communities by empowering the next generation of African leaders.
Lungu said no one should fear that he was taking up their influence or space adding that there was enough space for everyone.
“But unfortunately for me in my current situation, I have come to learn that every time you do something, especially having been a politician, people want to look for politics in that activity. So I have decided to be…deliberately and people will come to accept that I have moved on. I have done away with politics. I want to be servant of the people in this lowly but highly pleasant position of being a messenger of hope to our people, to the vulnerable,” the former president said.
“We are willing to learn. We are willing to partner with those of similar attitude and thoughts and support what is common. And what is common is good for all of us and what is good for all of us is common. I want people to see the purity and nature of this concept, this idea. So that those I ask to come and work with me are clear as to how we want to proceed confident that we are not politicking at all. So I think there is a common place where politics, where religion, where the goodwill of the civil society and others meet. And I think that is where I want to meet my colleagues so that we all agree that Edgar Lungu Foundation means well.”
He said politicians should not fear the stance taken to leave the political arena and engage in charity work.
“Politicians should not fear. The church should not fear. No one is going to lose his influence or space at all. There is enough space for all of us. Yes, count on us and we will listen to your guidance. We don’t want to fail like others have failed in the past because of being misunderstood ,” said Lungu.
Last month, justice minister Mulambo Haimbe threatened to engage Cabinet Office over the former president’s benefits after what he said was the continued involvement of Lungu in active politics.
