Inonge Wina opts out …it’s time to pass baton to younger generation
VICE-PRESIDENT, Inonge Wina, has decided not to be considered as running mate in the August 12 general elections.
And President Edgar Lungu has thanked MsWina for services rendered to the country.
Ms Wina will leave office after the August General elections.
Ms Wina told journalists that being 80 years old, she could not summon the same energy she had when she was younger.
She said that she has reached a stage in her political career where she needed to take a different role and see a new generation of leaders take charge of the affairs of the country especially now that stability had been restored in the Patriotic Front (PF).
Ms Wina said that she has communicated to the Head of State on her decision and added that she would support
President Edgar Lungu to ensure that all government programmes were effectively implemented in the election period.
“It is now time to pass the baton, I have reached a stage in my political career where I need to take a different role that will see a new generation of leaders take charge of the affairs of the country especially that stability has been restored in our party,” Ms Wina said.
She thanked President Lungu for having appointed her as the first female Vice-President of the country.
She observed that it was a historical milestone in the recognition of women as partners in leadership at the highest level of government.
And President Lungu said Ms Wina’s counsel to the Patriotic Front and Government, as
Vice-President, had been immense.
She said in a statement issued by his special aide for press and public relations, Isaac Chipampe that Ms Wina had been a bedrock to rely on, and as she leaves office in August after the elections, what remains for him was to thank Her for her services to the country since they started their journey together. President Lungu said Ms Wina was a pride of all womenfolk and girls in the country being the first female Vice-President of Zambia.
“We shall continue seeking her advice and counsel even after she has left office. Thank you so much Madam Vice-President,” he said.