UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday addressed a mammoth rally in Itezhi-tezhi district where he went to drum up support for the party Council Chairperson candidate in Mbila ward.

Thousands of people thronged to the rally site as soon as Hichilema’s entourage arrived.

The opposition leader told residents that he would use his days of incarceration to turn around the country’s future, bring about economic emancipation and good governance in Zambia.

“Do not lose Hope because help is on the way. The UPND is coming to turn things around and restore order in the country. We will deliver you from this authoritarian government,” Hichilema’s deputy press secretary Brian Mwiinga quoted the president as saying.

He said he would not let the people down as he was a democrat, adding that there was an urgent need to stop any dictatorial tendencies that he said had made headways in the country.

Hichilema also told the residents that all matters before the courts of law would not be withdrawn so that they could be used as basis in setting a good precedence.

“We in the UPND do not support the breakdown in the rule of law and as firm democrats, we will ensure that there is no interference in any court matter which we may directly have filed in,” Hichilema said.

He also stated that he learnt with worry while in prison that the Food Reserve Agency had decided to buy maize at a very lower prices but reminded the country to always see through those who only want to cheat citizens during campaigns.

Later after the rally, Hichilema posted a message to thank his supporters.

“Thank you Itezhi Itezhi District, Central Province for coming out in thousands to hear our message of renewed hope and progress. We were accompanied by ADD President Charles Milupi, UPND National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango and others,” said Hichilema.

“We mean business and can assure you of a greater tomorrow. We know farmers are crying, students are crying, youths are crying, just like the way our God, Almighty, heard our cry in prayer when we were unjustly and brutally arrested and detained, our God will again hear us, for He has never let his people down.”