BY SIMON MUNTEMBA
SISHUWA Sishuwa should stop arguing out of ignorance, President Edgar Lungu has the legal authority to appoint an acting Bank of Zambia (BoZ) Governor, Lusaka lawyer Tutwa Ngulubehas said.
In an interview, Mr Ngulube, who is PF deputy parliamentary Chief Whip said according to article 185 of the constitution of Zambia, President Lunguhas constitutional power to hire an acting BoZGovernor pending ratification of the substantive Governor by the National Assembly.
He was reacting to remarks by a University of Zambia (UNZA) lecturer, Sishuwa Sishuwa, that President Lungu had no power to appoint an acting central bank governor.
Dr Sishuwa was quoted arguing in one of the local tabloids that the appointment of Dr Francis Chipimoto act as Governor was illegal as it is not supported by law.
But Mr Ngulube said the UNZA lecturer was arguing ignorantly because the constitution was clear that the President enjoyed constitutional authority to appoint anyone to act in the public office.
Mr Ngulube said Dr Sishuwa should stop misrleading himself and others on matters he did not understand fully.
“He should stop misleading himself and the public. He is actually arguing under the influence of ignorance.
“The constitution is very clear about that. The President has power to hire and fire a BoZ governor and that is why he fired Dr Denny Kalyalya.
“The President under article 185 and 214 of the 2016 constitution has power to also appoint an acting Bank of Zambia (BoZ) governor, pending ratification of the substantive office bearer by the National Assembly. The power to appoint a substantive Governor includes an acting governor. So, Sishuwa is misleading himself,” he said.
Last week, President Lungu appointed BoZ deputy Governor for operations, Francis Chipimo to act as Governor, pending ratification of Mr Christopher Mvunga by the National Assembly.
President Lungu appointed Mr Mvunga as Governor on August 22, subject to ratification by Parliament after firing Dr Kalyalya.
