A good citizen beyond Easter
Written by Millennium on April 5, 2021
AMBIA is a Christian nation and our values define who we are – this Easter we must commit to being/ better.
This year sees Zambia still dealing woth the deaadly coronavirus while geraing up to the August General Elections that will no doubt bring out the worst and the best of the citizenry.
The Republican President urged citizens to dedicate themselves to love, forgiveness, unity and strength.
“Let us remember that God so loved the world that He gave us our Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation,” he said in his Easter Message.
“As we celebrate this Easter, we must remain resolute in our fight against COVID-19, by following all prescribed public health guidelines.”
At the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the unruly mob were quick to insist that Pontius Pilate follow the rules of the Jewish faith as well as the Roman law.
We, equally must appreciate the law of the land in our daily conduct.
It is hoped that as we reflect on the Easter promise we will also commit to showing love and respect to our neighbour, no matter the situation.
“Zambia is a Christian Nation and it is my sincere prayer that during this period, Christians will uphold the sacredness of the triduum by praying and worshipping to the God Almighty and seeking His face for forgiveness,” President Lungu shared.
“As a nation, we need to reflect on the goodness of our Father God who allowed Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us to receive salvation. We should continually seek the face of God by repenting and asking for forgiveness for whatever sins we may have committed.
“The word of God in 2 Chronicles 7:14 says and I quote: ‘If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.’.
“This period offers an opportunity for us to restore our relationship with God Almighty and our Lord Jesus Christ.
“The Easter triduum is a call to all of us to engage in acts of charity, mercy including, preaching salvation, love, peace and unity to everyone.”
Every Zambian citizen is expected to abide by the principles espoused by the Christian faith.
We must practice responsibility and tolerance with the knowledge that we can take a stance on how Government administers its duties through the ballot box.
Recently, The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has extended the physical inspection of the Provisional Register of Voters by five days.
ECZ Chief Executive Officer Kryticious Nshindano says the Commission has considered feedback from various stakeholders and had extended the inspection period for another five days.
There should be no excuse given for not taking up our basic civic duty of ensuring we vote.
Mr Nshindano has encouraged registered voters to take advantage of the extension, to verify their details using the USSD Code and Web-based platform.
The Chief Electoral Officer stated that there is no need to physically go to the centre once one is sure that the details presented are correct.
He explained that physical inspection centres are designated for services such as correction of wrongly captured details, replacement of lost or damaged voters’ cards, transfers for those who would like to change their polling stations and removal of the deceased voters from the register.
The digital platform offers an alternative that can be used by any citizen that owns a phone.
This will also cut down the risk of possible Covid-19 infection.
As we celebrate Eater, let us take up the responsibility of being an exemplary citizen by abiding by the law and showing neighbourly love and reconciliation.