By Chinoyi Chipulu
Patriotic Front vice-president Given Lubinda says former president Edgar Lungu will be remembered for sacrificing his statesmanship for the sake of Zambians who were wallowing in poverty.
And Lubinda has declared the PF party secretariat as the official funeral home for the late former head of state and declared a week of mourning.
Lubinda said last evening when he addressed the media and party members that Lungu gave up his life to sacrifice for the Zambian people.
He said when Lungu retired from active politics, he decided to bounce back after realising that things were not going right for the party and the country.
“He decided that who am I to decide to just watch when others are wallowing in poverty. He gave everything away. He gave up his life as though he was not a former president, remember him for that for his sacrifice,” he said.
Lubinda urged Zambians to pray for Lungu’s family who were not selfish but allowed him to sacrifice for the country.
“Let’s remember the former first lady who is walking through fire and his children. Let’s mourn our leader while is no more but remember his legacy and that he lived for you. Be proud that that he ran his race clean and well,” he said.
Lubinda urged all Zambians to hold together and mourn in their unity.
“I appeal to you the PF, let’s mourn in peace and with love. He was slapped on the left cheek, he surrendered the right one too. Lungu was humble even at the height of his career and after he left office,” he said.
And Lubinda said he had discussed with Lungu’s family and had agreed that he would be mourned at the party secretariat.
“We agreed that he loved his party and gave up his luxurious of being former president because of you and me. He gave up his luxurious of being a statesman because of the love he has for his party and the country, we decided that we will mourn him at the secretariat,” said Lubinda.
Lubinda said the party would mourn in all PF party offices.
