By Michael Kaluba
Aid Justice International executive director, Dr. Philemon Phiri says the new dawn administration’s fight against corruption should be supported by all well-meaning Zambians despite various shortcomings and unclear policy direction on various issues by the current regime.
Dr. Phiri tells Phoenix news that while the head of state address to the nation on Friday highlighted his commitment to fighting previous and ongoing corruption, the United Party for National Development-UPND administration is a replica of the Patriotic Front-PF administration that has allegedly sustained oppression of political opponents through prolonged detention without trial among others vices.
The Aid Justice executive director says it is beneficial and commendable for the head of state to declare open war on corruption to the extent of firing his own appointees including the efficiency of the law enforcement agencies who have recently arrested serving government officials involved in malpractice but is also of the view that there is a need for his leadership to manage other aspects of governance.
He adds that the civil society movement will not allow for Zambia to be run the way it was during the previous patriotic front government, hence the need for the UPND government to ensure it enacts a beneficial public order act, the access to information bill and uphold human rights while ceasing ongoing prolonged arrests of opposition political leaders without charge.
In his speech to the second session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on progress made in the application of the national values and principles, President Hakainde Hichilema said there shall be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption within hours of his decision to dismiss some top government officials from Luapula province who are facing allegations of corruption and illegal mining activities.
CREDIT : PHOENIX NEWS
