No matter how much we disagree with an individual, we must respect the institution of the Office of the President, says People’s Alliance for Change leader Andyford Banda.

Banda condemned UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and his entourage for failing to allow President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade to pass in Mongu on Sunday, describing the incident as disrespectful.

“We strongly believe this is not right. It is disrespectful not only to the institution of the presidency, but disrespectful to the values of what holds us together as a nation. No matter how much we disagree with an individual, we must respect the institution of the office of the President,” Banda posted on his Facebook page last evening.

He said it was important for all political players to recognize the Presidency until the courts ruled otherwise.

“It’s important for all players to recognise the Presidency until the courts determine otherwise. We believe that the continued refusal to acknowledge the Head of State and behave like there is no President is a recipe for anarchy. Imagine if the security team decided to react by applying force,” said Banda.

“Let’s be realistic and objective here. This is creating a bad precedent where it seems like it’s at anybody’s whim to recognise or not to recognise the Presidency.”

In this video report by Prime TV’s Kalani Muchima, police are seen attempting to sweep HH’s vehicles to pave way for President Lungu’s motorcade.

When attempts fail, President Lungu’s motorcade overtakes to avoid causing a scene.