Vice President of the Local Government Association of Zambia, Maxwell Nkhoma, says the endorsement of Hakainde Hichilema by councillors at yesterday’s meeting was stage-managed and did not reflect prior communication to members.
Mr Nkhoma states that the letter of invitation to councillors was issued two weeks ago and did not indicate that the gathering would involve endorsing the President.
He maintains that LGAZ is a non-partisan body and argues that councillors were effectively forced into an unexpected endorsement during proceedings.
According to him, had members been informed in advance that the purpose of the meeting included endorsing the Head of State, many would not have attended.
On Monday,councillors from across the country met President Hichilema at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre for what was presented as a consultative engagement.
However, at the end of the meeting, during the vote of thanks, a councillor announced that they had endorsed the President a declaration that has since sparked debate within local government circles.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
