By Staff Reporter
LEADING opposition leader Adv Nelson Chamisa has implored citizens to ignore the criticism emerging from questionable critics.
The remarks comes against backlash from academic Doctor Ibbo Mandaza and popular journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who recently bashed Chamisa for aiding the ruling Zanu-PF party by remaining silent in the wake of a ruthless crackdown against activists sympathetic to his cause.
To this end about 200 rights activists are currently behind bars on numerous charges which analysts have summed up as a ploy by authorities to bloc demonstrations at the just ended SADC Summit.
On his part Chin’ono argues the opposition leader is stifling progress to establish a more vibrant opposition outfit as he continues to occupy space left by the late Morgan Tsvangirai.
But section of the country’s analysts have since dismissed the critics’ claims as hogwash considering the fact that anyone is free to form another movement and fill up the vacuum if need be. In fact, many other opposition politicians who ditched Chamisa have led very weak movements and eventually lost popularity on their solo journeys.
Posting on his social media platforms, Chamisa said standing for the truth and the authentic alternative has never been an easy journey.
“These few are in it for the long haul, for service and for Zimbabwe and its people and I am proud to belong to this category,” Chamisa said .
“The struggles the world over, and since time immemorial, are always laced with multiple sorrows and discomforts, but ultimately, victory kicks in.
“All this suffering is not in vain. We cannot go through all this pain not to receive our gain and victory in due time.”
“Some are pretenders, infiltrators and establishment collaborators who play for the other team. And they often shout and caricature the loudest,” he said.
He said some easily fall for the opportunities offered by occupying office and being in government — as president, minister, MP, councillors or public servant while Some are content with benefits and privileges of power and position as opposition for life.
The opposition leader some are in the struggle for survival and employment, escaping poverty and never for service, change and leaving a legacy.
“Some seek shortcuts to decide that if we cannot beat them, join them. So joining the gravy train becomes the easy answer.Some choose to disengage and pursue personal goals, interests and business as private citizens. Some are perennial sceptics and perpetual cynics and armchair critics,” he added.
