PF HOLDS JUDICIARY IN HIGH ESTEEM

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 09:41:03 +0000

By Chikumbi Katebe AND Mukosela Kasalwe

THE Patriotic Front Government holds the Judiciary in high esteem and is concerned with the relentless attempts by some disgruntled elements creating a false impression about Zambia to the international community, says PF media director Sunday Chanda.

Mr Chanda said it was no wonder the Government has embarked on various reforms in an effort to create independence and confidence in the governance system, not only the judiciary but other public institutions as well.

He however explained that the Government was aware of some members of the Judiciary said to be stirring towards external activities outside Zambia, with ill intent.

“We have received reports that some members of the Judiciary are inciting the Zambian Courts to adopt decisions similar to those made by their Kenyan counterparts under the misguided belief that this amounted to bravery.

“Our distinguished members of the Judiciary should be left to preside over matters and make decisions without external or any form of undue influence from outsiders,” he said.

Mr Chanda explained that President Edgar Lungu was aware of intelligence information indicating that some members of the judiciary have been trying to create an unfavourable situation over some agendas they have been pushing.

He said President Lungu was concerned with the information hence his decision to comment on the conduct of the Judiciary in line with powers vested in him under Article 122 (4), to protect the Judiciary in order for it to act with dignity, independent and in an effective manner.

He said the President as Chief Executive Officer of the country was merely advising the nation, the judiciary inclusive based on credible information he received as a preventative measure to avoid falling into chaotic situation as could be seen in other countries arising from self-driven motives other than the good of the nation.

“President Lungu said and we quote: “I have information that some of you want to be adventurous, your adventure should not plunge us into chaos please,” he said.

Mr Chanda further explained that there were some political elements with desperate agendas sponsored by well-known imperialists and agitating for regime change in independent African states like Zimbabwe, Kenya and Zambia, but unfortunately were ready to “auctioning weak souls” in the judiciary as well as other institutions.

AND a cartel of individuals has colluded with disgruntled politicians to attempt to bar President Lungu from contesting the 2021 general elections, says Zambian DNA spokesperson Spuki Mulemwa.

Mr Mulemwa said the DNA was in full support of President Lungu’s timely caution to the judges to desist from acts that could plunge the country into chaos and confusion.

Commenting on the Head of State’s advice to the judges yesterday, he said it was abundantly clear that there was allegedly a cartel that have colluded with disgruntled politicians to stop President Lungu from contesting the 2021 elections.

Mr Mulemwa said imitating the Kenyan style to unseat a democratically elected President was tantamount to treason.

He said Zambia needed to draw lessons from what was happening in Kenya after the Supreme Court nullified elections.

“Zambian DNA supports President Edgar Lungu‘s timely caution to the judges to desist from acts that could plunge the country into chaos and confusion.

Mr Mulemwa said a series of activities and statements by disgruntled politicians in collusion with civil society activists and foreign agents confirmed President Lungu’s revelation of the said scheme.

He urged Zambians to guard jealously the peace, democracy and unity of which the country has enjoyed for over 50 years.

Mr Mulemwa implored security agencies to step up their operations country wide in an effort to curb impending acts of lawlessness.

He commend President Lungu for his tacit commitment to preserve the country as a beacon of peace, democracy and unity.

And Third Liberation Movement president Enock Tonga described as unfortunate that some disgruntled judges were bent on bringing about confusion in the country.

Mr Tonga said the long-arm of the law would quickly catch up with the said judges as the law was not selective regardless of one’s position in the society.