BE FAIR TO ALL, JUDGES URGED
POOR people should not feel disadvantaged in the dispensation of justice while the rich are seen to be favoured, President Edgar Lungu has challenged judges.
The President also said he would continue to respect the separation of powers in the appointment of judges who are selected and recommended for appointment by the Judicial Service Commission and ratified by Parliament.
He clarified that the President does not appoint judges but that the Judicial Service Commission recommends the appointments to his office and that all the three arms of government were involved.
President Lungu reiterated that all members of the judiciary should reflect on exploring ways of enhancing their independence, transparency, accountability and efficiency to win public trust and confidence.
The Head of State said that the rich in society should not be seen to be walking away scot free while the poor were caged over the same offences.
The President said this at the swearing in ceremony for judges at State House yesterday, where Justice Martin Musaluke was sworn in as a Constitutional Court judge, madam justice Florence Mulenga Lengalenga as a judge at the Court of Appeals and, Mr Kelvin Hancubwili Libanda and Ms Catherine Mulenga Lombe Phiri as High Court judges.
President Lungu advised judges not to be swayed by outside influences, adding that the judiciary could only be as independent as the members that constituted it.
“You should not be swayed by outside influences. Remember that the judiciary can only be as independent as the members that constitute it. All members of the judiciary should reflect on exploring ways of enhancing your independence, transparency, accountability and efficiency to win public trust and confidence. Why should big guys who are nabbed be released when a poor man is jailed for the same offence?” he questioned.
President Lungu also cautioned newly appointed Constitutional Court judge Musaluke that the court he was joining had been under a lot of public scrutiny.
He implored the judge to help contribute to public confidence by deciding on cases based on the rule of law and not to follow public opinion.
President Lungu expressed confidence that all the appointed judges would render exceptional and invaluable service with their vast experiences.
Meanwhile, President Lungu said that judges were not imposed on the judiciary by the President as all the three arms of government were involved in the appointment process.
He explained that the Judicial Service Commission recommends the appointments and that National Assembly ratifies before the President swears in judges.
The Head of State assured that the Executive would continue to uphold and respect the doctrine of separation of powers.