It’s clear that those urging Edgar Lungu to go for a third term of office are not doing it out of love for him or in national interest. They are doing for purely selfish reasons.

We still remember how some people supported Frederick Chiluba’s attempt to change the Constitution and give himself a third term for very selfish intentions. They didn’t want Chiluba to have a third term but pretended to ‘support’ his bid for it in the hope that when it finally fails he may anoint them as his successors for being loyal and supportive to the very end. But it didn’t work.

Nason Msoni is right when he says those pushing Edgar Lungu for a third term are merely opportunists who want to take advantage of public resources.

“I don’t think the opposition is losing sleep or scared of the prospects of the candidature of Mr Lungu; it is only that the man is a constitutionally barred candidate,” says Msoni.
“Besides the fact that the Republican Constitution bars him from contesting the 2021 general elections, Mr Lungu needs to exculpate himself from serious allegations of impropriety before he can even think of forwarding himself as a presidential candidate. It is public expectation that Mr Lungu will find the compelling dignity to exonerate himself from serious accusations made by those who have served under him. In his current state, he would be the most unattractive candidate to vote for. Those pushing him to stand are not being sincere and most likely, are merely opportunists interested in siphoning campaign funds.”

If you don’t find the right set of eyes to see through your bull, you will always be surrounded by sycophants that will tell you white lies because they like your company and don’t want to ruin the eating. When you fall, they could devour your remains. As is usually the case, the army of sycophants will turn into a horde of hungry hyenas. These are actually enemies in disguise.
Edgar shouldn’t be deceived by the false support of opportunists. They are in to fast-forward his fall, humiliation and failure.
The most dangerous among us come dressed as angels and we learn too late they are the devil in disguise.

The money and power that Edgar controls today attract followers, supporters. But it’s not him they’re attracted to, are following – it’s just the money and the power he controls. Only affection, just causes bring genuine followers, supporters.
There’s need to always be aware of fake followers, supporters because it is the hardest to be aware of. And those who speak out risk rejection and ridicule. But look at what happened to Robert Mugabe! He calls a crisis cabinet meeting and only two ministers appear. He will never see them again. The loss of power seems to have driven them away.

You get to know who your true and loyal followers and supporters are because there will be lots of them around when times are easy and when times get so tough, they will leave you no matter what. This is what Mugabe is experiencing today.
The secret lies of manipulative followers, supporters, however hidden and cunningly twisted, shall eventually come out. Never trust manipulative politically motivated, sly liars while they pretend to be “true friends”, loyal disciples with noble and just cause. Frederick Chiluba died a lonely man – he was deserted.
Being blinded by praise, false support and loyalty is a common mistake in political leadership.

Tell people how it is, be real and be honest. If you see something wrong, make sure you speak up. Being this way will naturally eliminate the snakes and fakes. It is said that someone who smiles too much with you can sometimes frown too much with you at your back.
Buy a gift for a dog, and you’ll be amazed at the way it will dance and swerve its tail, but if you don’t have anything to offer it, it won’t even recognise your arrival; such are the attributes of fake followers, supporters. Edgar needs to be very careful with opportunistic parasites, who perch on him just to satisfy their needs, they do not come to alleviate his burdens, hence, their mission is to distract, detract and extract, and make him live in misery alone at the end.

Fake followers and supporters; those who only drill holes under your boat to get it leaking; those who pretend they love you, but behind their backs they know they are in to destroy your legacies for their benefit. Never expect a yield of milk from a bull.