Clergyman, NGO nods new ACC chief
By MUKOSELA KASALWE THE ratification by Parliament the Presidential appointment of Anti-Corruption Commission Director General Kapetwa Phiri and National Assembly Clerk Cecelia Mbewe is commendable and timely, says Evangelical Youth Alliance executive director Reverend Moses Lungu
The clergyman commended Parliament for rising above partisan and politics to ratify the appointment of Mr Phiri and Ms Mbewe and described the development as a good thing.
He said ACC needed someone to be at its helm and oversee its operations and fight against corruption.
“As Evangelical Youth Alliance we would like to commend Parliament for ratifying the appointment of ACC Director General and Clerk of the National Assembly this is a good thing and is timely,” he said.
Rev. Lungu said corruption was the biggest hindrance to Zambian youth enjoyment of socio-economic benefits and that the scourge needed collaborative efforts to be fought at all levels.
And Youth Aid chairperson Kachenga Chungu urged Mr Phiri and Ms Mbewe not to disappoint the appointing authority and the public.
Mr Chungu said the appointments were a breath of fresh air.
The non-governmental organisation said the confidence shown by Parliament in the duo was a sign of their credibility.
Mr Chungu implored Mr Phiri to be fair, transparent and professional in his discharge of duities.
Parliament on Thursday evening unanimously ratified the Presidential appointment of Mr Phiri and Ms Mbewe to their respective positions.
Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini asked the House whether or not to ratify the two and Members of Parliament unanimously responded in the affirmative.
The motion was moved by Patriotic Front Msanzala MP Peter Daka for the House to adopt the Report of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinise the Presidential appointment of Mr Phiri, 39 and Ms Mbewe, 56.
Mr Lubinda said he agreed with UPND Mazabuka Central MP Gary Nkombo for the ACC to watch people with power but that should not exclude MPs.
He urged Mr Phiri to take a keen interest where some MPs engaged ‘illegal’ graders and that it was important to investigate all those who deserved investigation.
Malambo MP Makebi Zulu said Mr Phiri was well qualified.
Mr Zulu, who is Eastern Province Minister and a lawyer said there was need to enable the office of the Director General through the House with appropriate legislation and laws to enable it discharge its duties more efficiently and effectively.
Mr Kambwili urged Mr Phiri to quickly release findings of various cases of alleged corruption brought before them and not to take too long.
Mr Kambwili said Mr Phiri should not be afraid to dismiss any case if one was not found wanting.
Mr Nkombo advised Mr Phiri to have a microscopic eye on government ministers and not to be afraid to carry out his duties.
Chirundu MP Douglas Syakalima said Mr Phiri had a huge task ahead of him.
Ms Mbewe holds a Master of Laws degree in International Taxation, Tax Planning from Regent University USA, and a Law degree from the University of Zambia.