INTEGRITY must be at the core of public and private life.
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Thus, those who hold public office in particular owe it to society to ensure that they subject themselves to the highest level of integrity.
The issue of integrity and ethical conduct is an important aspect of political life that must never be undermined.
Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions.
In our view ‘integrity’ connotes moral soundness, rectitude and steady adherence to an ethical code. A person lacks integrity if unable to appreciate the distinction between what is honest or dishonest by ordinary standards.
There must not be anything questionable about things done in private that involve a person holding public office.
That is what society demands and expects from its leaders.
We do not know the full details of the reasons that led to the sudden resignation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr Stanley Kakubo and his business dealings with two Chinese companies over a mine company he owns.
What is important though is to allow the investigative wings to investigate the matter so that at the end of the day, the nation can be told the true facts about the case.
It is only after the investigations that Mr Kakubo can be perceived innocent or prosecuted if found wanting.
We do not agree with the insinuations in some circles that what Mr Kakubo was involved in had nothing to do with his government portfolio, that it was a private business transaction.
As we have stated, the public expects their leaders to be above board. There conduct, in private or private must never be a subject that raises suspicions about them.
Honesty, truth, integrity, and ethical conduct are foundational to effective leadership. Leaders who embody these qualities not only inspire trust and confidence but also contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of their organisations.
Leaders must be credible in the eyes of their followers. This credibility comes from a commitment to truth and honesty. When leaders are truthful, even in challenging situations, they enhance their credibility, which is essential for inspiring confidence and loyalty.
As Beene Hachoombwa says, it is important that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should immediately start investigations against Mr Kakubo for corruptly receiving about US$200, 000 and a Mercedes Benz motor vehicle in circumstances that smack of corruption.
Mr Hachoombwa says Zambians are anxiously waiting to know facts about the matter over the deal Mr Kakubo had engaged in with the two Chinese firms over a mine he owned.
Mr Hachoombwa, a member of the UPND presidential campaign team believes that now that Mr Kakubo had resigned, it was time for the ACC to launch investigations to ascertain whether he engaged in corruption or not.
He said the former minister could only come clean in the matter after investigations are done and he had been cleared.
It must be pointed out that Zambians have repeatedly questioned what they have seen as high levels of corruption in the new dawn administration that is being swept under the carpet while going full throttle investigating the perceived corruption committed during the Patriotic Front regime.
You cannot claim to have integrity when you ignore your shortcomings but want to prosecute others.
This is the more reason civil society has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to stop the rampant corruption within his administration for the fight against corruption to bear results.
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