REVELATIONS by President Edgar Lungu that some people are scheming to use violence to campaign for the 2021 general elections should not be taken lightly by law enforcement agencies.
It is a wake-up call and tip to law enforcement agencies to put their ear to the ground and swing into action to arrest any individual that makes careless utterances with potential to jeopardise the peace the country has enjoyed for the past five decades.
It is disheartening that instead of strategising on how best they are going to sell their manifestos prior to the 2021 general elections, some politicians are busy in dark-corner meetings plotting how they are going to cause violence.
The most unfortunate part is that such evil plans are coming from people who have interest to ascend to public leadership positions and lead the people of Zambia.
How can one claim to have a desire to serve the people and yet on the other hand be ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of ascending to power?
We all know that whenever and wherever violence occurs, it is the innocent citizens that suffer the brunt.
No-one in the right frame of mind can wish, let alone plan for violence.
Every patriotic Zambian should rise and say no to violence because it has never been and will never be a solution to any problem.
This is why former American President Robert Kennedy questions saying, “What has violence ever accomplished? What has it ever created? No martyr’s cause has ever been stilled by an assassin’s bullet. No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled or uncontrollable mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people”.
Those planning on violence should understand that while they may get gratification by inflicting pain on their perceived opponents, it is only temporary but the consequences will haunt them for life.
Biblically, the blood that will be shed by their hands will be demanded upon their heads by the Zambian people and God the creator. As long as their hands shed blood, they will not escape judgment.
However, before they even face the judgment of God, the earthly law is also bound to catch up with them.
In other words, politicians should not fool themselves that they can engage in or perpetuate violence and get away with it. It always has a way of coming back to them.
It is, therefore, wise for politicians to desist from engaging in or inciting violence. This is for their good and that of the country.
Political leaders who aspire to take up public office should prove that their desire to rule is driven by patriotism and love for the country.
Otherwise, it is hypocrisy to claim to want to serve the people and yet be unconcerned with harming them through violence.
While words of appeal may be enough to convince some level-headed individuals against engaging in violence, unfortunately evil minds do not respond to such language.
The only language they understand is that of the law. Law enforcement agencies should, therefore, ensure that anyone who is bent on causing violence is incarcerated for the good and safety of society.
It is clear the same thugs that caused havoc in the 2016 general elections and recent Sesheke by-election are relentless and resolved on causing harm even in 2021.
As a country, we need to rise in unison and ensure that their evil agenda is curtailed.
Citizens need to be vigilant and report anyone planning or inciting violence.
Political leaders shoulder the bigger responsibility to tame their cadres, who are usually the perpetrators of violence.
We will not tire in reminding them that they hold the key to ending violence by virtue of their positions and influence.
Political leaders should be in the forefront to uphold and safeguard the reputation the country has earned over the years as a beacon of peace on the continent and beyond.
Let us not allow selfish politicians and individuals to sacrifice our hard- earned peace and reputation on the altar of political expedience.
Above all, let us remember that beyond political, religious and social divides, we are all Zambians.