LUNGU ELIGIBILITY POSER

By AARON CHIYANZO

3rd Liberation Movement (3rd LM) leader, Enock Tonga has petitioned President Edgar Lungu to established a commission of inquiry to probe perceived erring constitutional court judges to ascertain whether or not some members had fallen short of their mandate.

Mr Tonga confirmed to the Daily Nation that he yesterday submitted a letter to the Head of State, petitioning him to establish a commission of inquiry to probe perceived erring constitutional court judges.

He said that even the President had termed the judges as ‘adventurous’ and warned that they threatened to bring about a break down in law and order if left unchecked.

Mr Tonga stated in his letter that the powers to appoint a commission to look into allegations of incompetence by some judges only lie with the President.

He called on the Head of State to expedite the process as it was in the best interest of the Zambian people. Mr Tonga said that appropriate action should be taken against any judicial officer who would be found wanting after the inquiry. “In accordance with section 2 of the Inquiries Act, Chapter 41 of the Laws of Zambia, the powers to appoint a Commission of Inquiry lies in you, we therefore urge you sir to consider appointing a Commission to probe the perceived erring constitutional court judges. “The matter is of grave concern, we sincerely hope that the commission of inquiry would be established as soon as possible,” the letter reads in part.

Earlier, Mr Tonga had petitioned Chief Justice, Ireen Mambilima to establish the said Commission of Inquiry, but was guided that such powers only lie with the Republican President.