B- FAR joins calls for axing of CJ and state minister
Botswana Forum for Action and Reform ( B- FAR) is calling on President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi to remove Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane and Minster of State, Kabo Morwaeng from office with immediate effect.
This follows reports and allegations that Chief Justice Rannowane and Morwaeng sought to influence the decisions of Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe in the case of Lobatse Member of Parliament Dr. Thapelo Matsheka. B- FAR is an independent and non- party, lobby, pressure, advocacy, or interest group that advocates for an accelerated and radical structural socio- economic ( and quasi- political) transformation agenda for Botswana. Its Secretary, Tigele Mokobi said they condemn the meddlesome desecration of this country’s judiciary and the arrogant contempt of Chief Justice Rannowane and State Minister Morwaeng in the strongest terms. They believe that the duo takes advantage of the power that they have and therefore it must be removed to restore the integrity of the Judiciary.
“Whatever gives these two the audacity to use state machinery for personal and affiliate battles must be nipped in the bud,” Mokobi said. B- FAR believes that the two men have displayed a reckless and dishonourable delusion of grandiose and total disrespect for the constitution and the rule of law. “This is a blighting affront on our fledgling democracy that raises grave and unsettling concerns.” Mokobi emphasised that the independence of the judiciary is the cornerstone of democratic societies and safeguards the freedom and rights of citizens under the rule of law. “This is where the rights and privileges provided by the constitution are enshrined and prevent executive and legislative encroachment upon those rights.
“Judicial independence guarantees that judges are free to decide honestly and impartially, in accordance with the law and evidence,” Mokobi said, adding that this should be without concern or fear of interference, control, or improper influence from anyone.
“According to the Constitution of Botswana, the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary are sacrosanct,” he said, noting that the doctrine of constitutional law defines three distinct branches of government being the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, as spheres of state power kept separate in a system of checks and balances that guard against autocracy, tyranny and other forms of abuse of power.
Mokobi said this is why they are calling on the appointing authority, President Masisi to do the honourable thing and remove Chief Justice Rannowane and State Minster Morwaeng from office with immediate effect. “Their reprehensible antics are a vicious attack to the constitution because all the rights secured to the citizens under the Constitution are worth nothing, and a mere bubble, except guaranteed to them by an independent and virtuous Judiciary,” Mokobi said. B- FAR’s focus areas are citizen- empowerment; inclusive and participation growth; innovation; economic diversification; and rapid and sustainable development.