ARREST CORRUPT OFFICIALS - LUNGU
P
RESIDENT Edgar Lungu has directed law enforcement agencies to act firmly and quickly against perpetrators of corruption regardless of their political affiliation or status.
President Lungu said his government had prioritized the fight against corruption by undertaking a review of the national anti-corruption policy as well as strengthening the institutional legal frameworks.
President Lungu said this in Lusaka yesterday when he graced the commemoration of the 2018 international anti-corruption day themed “United Against Corruption."
Mr Lungu pledged his utmost commitment and support to fight corruption, saying fighting corruption remained a priority for his government.
"As government we are committed to fighting this scourge. My government will not condone corruption. My government will do its part to ensure that the country is freed from corruption," President Lungu said.
He also directed the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to quickly bring to book all the erring public officers that were cited in the Auditor General’s report to send a strong warning to would-be offenders.
President Lungu who noted with sadness the continued reports of abuse of public resources each year, said the people of Zambia were demanding swift and timely interventions and urged the law enforcement agencies to make recoveries were losses had been incurred.
He warned that perpetrators of corruption would face the full wrath of the law regardless of their status or political affiliation.
“I want to see all erring officers punished and have the money recovered. Whether you are affiliated to the ruling PF or opposition, if you are a criminal, you are a criminal and you have to be arrested,” President Lungu said.
Mr Lungu explained that government has put stringent measures to fight graft, among them, the establishment of integrity committees in all government institutions.
He said corruption undermines the fabric of society and would not be allowed to take root in Zambia, adding that the fight must however not be politicised.
President Lungu further called on stakeholders in the country to desist from sensationalising and politicising corruption issues and giving the public a perception that government was not committed to the fight.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Janet Rogan said the United Nations was pleased to note the continued implementation of integrity committees in both public and private institutions in Zambia as those were key in ensuring the prevention and combating of corruption.
Ms Rogan said there was need for continued public awareness about what constitutes corruption and its negative impacts.
She also said there was need to recognise and address both the demand and supply sides of corruption because, as they say: 'it takes two to tangle.'
“As the UN in Zambia, we are committed to partnering in the fight against corruption, and we are delivering as one on this, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) carrying the mandate.”
Ms Rogan further commended the Zambian government on the e-Government programme saying the system works towards openness, transparency and accountability in the conduct of business.
“A well- planned e-government strategy can contribute to building efficiency, accountability and transparency. E-government increases citizens' trust, promotes economic growth by improving interface with business, and empowers citizens to participate in advancing good governance,” she said.
And ACC deputy director General Rose Khuzwayo said the commission remained committed to fighting corruption in Zambia. Ms Khuzwayo who thanked government and other stakeholders for the support rendered to the institution however said to uproot the scourge, there was need for concerted effort.
She said corruption could only be eradicated in Zambia if all stakeholders worked together.
African Parliamentarians’ network against corruption - Zambia chairperson Cornelius Mweetwa said government should encourage those charged with the responsibility of handling public funds to acquaint themselves with the public financial act to avoid misuse of public funds.
Mr Mweetwa expressed displeasure at the continued trend of public officers misusing public funds as cited in the Auditor General’s report.
President Lungu who was accompanied by Justice Minister Given Lubinda, senior government officials and diplomats accredited to Zambia earlier toured various governments institution stands in the showgrounds during the commemoration before addressing the gathering.
Speaking when he visited the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) stand, President Lungu urged the agency not to relent in implementing corrupt-free measures in the provision of its services due to public resistance.
The Head of State urged RTSA to remain focused and not be swayed by detractors that want to frustrate efforts aimed at ensuring the safety of road users.