Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people has banned holding of political meetings in Ngoni land without authority from him or his subordinate chiefs.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni says that he has banned the meetings in his territory because of lack of respect for traditional leaders exhibited by some politicians
ZANIS reports that the traditional leader was speaking when he addressed over 100 village headmen and indunas at his Ephendukeni palace yesterday.
Chief Mpezeni noted that some politicians have a tendency of insulting chiefs whenever they hold political meetings, a move he described as painful, adding that it is the reason that forced him call for a meeting with his subordinate chiefs and headmen.
He says that democracy is about choosing right candidates not insulting each other and that it pains him a lot when some politicians insult traditional rulers.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni says chiefs will always be there while politicians leave office once their term expires or when they are voted out of office.
He says that he will not hesitate to remove a headman who will allow politicians to hold meetings in their areas without his consent or that of his subordinate chiefs.
Chief Mpezeni urged Zambians to vote wisely in the August polls and respect the outcome of the elections.
And Senior Chief Nzamane says traditional leaders will remain nonpartisan, but will always support the government of the day.
He says democracy is there for candidates to sell their manifesto to the voters, but respect to traditional rulers should come first.
Meanwhile Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, who was also in attendance said government will continue to work with chiefs to uplift the living standards of the people.
He says that he will ensure that the construction of the palace for paramount chief Mpezeni is completed before the end of this year.
Other traditional leaders that attended the meeting
were Madzimawe, Saili, Maguya, Mishoro, Chinyaku
Mnukwa, Mshawa and Kapatamoyo.