By Angela Moonga
Rev Joseph Makina, Minister in Charge of St Michael African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kafue has expressed grave concern and deep spiritual anguish at the continued mishandling and prolonged uncertainty surrounding the remains of late sixth Republican president Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
”It is now ten months since the passing of the former Head of State, yet the nation remains in a state of unresolved mourning. The absence of closure in this matter raises serious questions not only of governance but of moral leadership, national dignity, and respect for the dead,” he stated yesterday.
Drawing from Psalm 24, attributed to King David, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?”, directed the challenge towards the leadership.
”The continued delay and opacity surrounding the burial of a former President is not a trivial administrative matter. It reflects a deeper concern: Have we, as a nation, lost our moral compass?” he stated. “The Standard of Leadership. Psalm 24 provides a clear answer: ‘The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…’
He argued that leadership must be exercised with integrity and transparency, and that national decisions must reflect respect, dignity, and justice.
”The handling of the deceased—especially a former Head of State—must rise above politics and reflect our shared humanity. Any deviation from these principles undermines not only public trust but the moral legitimacy of those in authority,” he stated. “Respect for the Dead is a Sacred Duty. Across cultures, traditions, and faiths, the dignified and timely burial of the deceased is a sacred obligation.”
He stated that to delay, politicise, or mishandle such a process: deepened national wounds, dishonored the memory of the departed and eroded the ethical foundation of governance.
”Zambia must not become a nation where even in death, dignity is negotiable. A Call for Immediate Action. I therefore, therefore, call upon: The Government of the Republic of Zambia, All relevant authorities and stakeholders to act with urgency, transparency, and honor in resolving this matter,” stated Rev Makina. “The nation deserves: clarity, closure, and a process that reflects both constitutional propriety and moral responsibility. A Call to National Reflection. To the leaders of Zambia: Examine your actions—are they guided by justice and integrity? To the citizens: Let us uphold the values that define us as a people—respect, unity, and dignity. To our institutions: Stand for what is right, even when it is difficult
He urged that Zambia must open its gates – not only physically, but morally and spiritually—to truth, justice, and righteousness.
He stated that only then shall the nation restore honor and ensure that leadership is exercised not merely with authority but with clean hands and pure hearts.
