Pawns of Political Bigotry

A few days ago, there was a news item informing us that the results of a by-election that was recently held in one province in Zambia has been nullified by a Court judge.

This was because of the violence perpetrated by the rival political parties during the campaign period.

The violence, which was unprecedented in the country, save for that seen during the " Cha Cha Cha" era before Independence, saw a number of people seriously injured.

What attracted my attention was the observation the learned Judge made about the violence.

He noted that despite the violence, none of the aspiring candidates who were in the opposing political camps had any scars on their faces as result of the violence!

He directed that one young man who lost an eye during one fracas should be compensated.

I just wondered who was going to foot the bill for that? The State, I presumed? If this is the case, why should the tax payer pay for political bigotry ?

Furthermore, one may also ask, why should innocent people find themselves maimed as a result of other people who are aspiring for political office?

The unfortunate fact is that some individuals find themselves being used by others to achieve their political ambitions.

Whereas there maybe different reasons why this scenario is evident in our country, it is clear that politicians are fond of taking advantage of the weak in our society.

It is common practice during elections for politicians seeking favour from the electorate to use various methods to win their support.

With this state of affairs, the atmosphere becomes conducive for tempers to rise up.

There are cases where a group of people who have been members of one political party for many years, would suddenly change their minds and crossover to the rival party!

Are these people really genuine supporters or just political drifters?

These people are used as pawns by political bigots.

One man, whose writings I follow, Rick Warren is the Author of the book called "Purpose Driven Life". He says :-

"If you are not living on purpose , you'll be driven by pressure, pleasure, popularity, power,
prestige, possessions, your past, or pain."

Without a purpose in life one would find himself being manipulated by others.

In Africa, by elections or no by elections, we always get the best out of a bad deal from our politicians.

I pray that this scenario will never show its ugly head in Zambia in future.

Zambia is Not for Sale ! Zambia is Not for Sale !

On 14th December 2010 at 21:50 hrs, I was praying with fellow Christians who are members of "The Gospel Invasion Incorporated" on Facebook which Pastor Choolwe led at 21:50 hrs, 05:40 hrs. and at 12:50 hrs.

(Check the link below)

http://is.gd/iO37t

Members were requested to read the following verses:

Psalm 103: 1-7 Psalm 105: 1-11 and Psalm 107: 1-5

Psalm 107:1 says.. "O give thanks unto the LORD for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever".

As I was praying to the Lord to shine his light on us in 2011, I heard a voice telling me that He shall provide leaders that will take this country to higher heights.

This was around 21:55 hrs.

I started to think of the following title for my next post on Facebook and other Blogs I write.

"Zambia is not for sale. Zambia is not for sale !"

After the prayer session, I was wondering to myself. What was God's Words trying to tell me?

I asked the Lord to tell me what He meant by providing leaders who will take this country to higher heights ?

On 16th December 2010, which was two days before my Birthday, I was reading the "Our Daily Manna", a daily devotional booklet by Rev. Dr. Chris E. Kwakpovwe.

To my surprise I noticed that the day's devotional was entitled "My Head is Not for Sale!"- Part 1 and "My Head is Not for Sale!"- Part 2 followed the next day.

So this is what the Lord was telling me on 14th December 2010 !

After reading Part 1 of the devotional, I learnt that there are some people who would go to any length to get what they want. The story of the Nigerian man who dug up human skulls from graveyards for rituals was hair raising.

In Zambia we have the Parliamentary and Presidential elections next year.

Looking at the present methods being used by the various politicial parties to gain political leverage over their rivals, it is worrying to visualise how the campaigns will be like.

My prayer for all politicians is for them to be patriotic and put God first in their campaigns.

We have only one Zambia as our country and have nowhere else to go.

"Zambia is not for sale, Zambia is not for sale !".

Amen !