Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – President Michael Sata, who has stayed out of public view for the past few months amid speculations on his health, on Friday officially opened parliament, committing his government to move the country forward decisively towards the eradication of poverty and under development.
Sata’s speech detailed the main areas of focus for the coming years, while highlighting the ruling Patriotic Front government development programmes to date, as well as its challenges and the way forward.
On the topical issue of the constitution which is being reviewed and which opposition demanded among other issues that he must address in parliament, the President confirmed that government has received the draft constitution and that it is in the process of guiding the nation on the next course of action.
Meanwhile, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has condemned the decision by government to block some media houses from covering the opening of parliament, describing decision as retrogressive.
“This decision is not only an insult to the media profession but also amounts to undressing our so called democracy before a global audience. We appeal to whoever is behind this shameful act to rescind their decision, above all our main appeal is to President Sata himself to issue a directive to counter this archaic, barbaric and shameful act,” MISA Zambia chairperson Hellen Mwale said earlier Friday.
“We are mindful that not so long ago, the President brought to shame some of the overzealous civil servants when he directed that people were free to discuss his health because he is a public figure, it is such intervention that we ask for from his Excellency the President.“
Since speculation on President Sata’s health started mounting, government has limited the number of journalists covering events at State House and also banned taking photos of Sata at State House.
Photo credit: Lusaka Times
