Explain summons of Archbishop Banda, demands Lubinda

By BARNABAS ZULU FORMER Justice Minister Given Lubinda has called on the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) to explain the basis of its renewed summons of Lusaka Archbishop Dr Alick Banda. Mr Lubinda said although Archbishop Dr Banda was ready to comply with the summons through lawful channels, the public deserved to know what the latest summons was all about after the first in which the head of the Catholic Church in Lusaka was warned and cautioned on allegation of unlawful possession of a motor vehicle. He said no citizen was above the law, but equally, every citizen was entitled to the protection of the law. “The lack of information surrounding the renewed summons could create room for speculation and political accusations. Archbishop Dr Banda was previously summoned by the DEC in January over investigations involving a motor vehicle, with the commission indicating at the time that the investigations were continuing,” Mr Lubinda said. Mr Lubinda questioned whether those investigations had since been concluded and, if not, what had prompted the renewed summons nearly nine months later. “If they have, the public and Archbishop Banda are entitled to appropriate clarification. If they have not, the authorities should explain, within the limits of an ongoing investigation, the basis for this renewed summons,” he said. Mr Lubinda said Archbishop Dr Banda, as a senior religious leader, had a right to speak on matters affecting the welfare and future of Zambia, regardless of whether those in authority agreed with his views. He called on the DEC to act professionally, fairly and impartially and without intimidation. Mr Lubinda alsor urged relevant oversight authorities to ensure that Archbishop Banda’s constitutional and legal rights were protected throughout the process. He also called on the government and the DEC to communicate responsibly and transparently with the public to prevent speculation arising from the lack of information. “This is not a demand for anyone to be above investigation. It is a demand that any investigation be conducted lawfully, fairly and without intimidation,” Mr Lubinda said. He said Archbishop Banda would appear before the DEC and urged citizens to remain peaceful while allowing due process to take its course. “Let the facts come into the open. Let due process prevail. Let the institutions of our Republic earn and retain the confidence of the people,” Mr Lubinda said.

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