LAZ REBORN

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) under the leadership of former Attorney-General Abyudi Shonga has a chance to repair its dented image that has seen it lose credibility in the eyes of the public.

We feel this must be one of its priorities to convince the nation that it will be an honest broker in the country’s affairs, an organisation that the public can trust.

LAZ has in the recent past ceased to be an organization of learned men and women that could be relied on to give honest advice to the government.

It allowed itself to be an extended legal arm of some of the country’s political parties. By so doing, it became a polarised entity because it forgot that its members represented different political interest groups.

And as Mr Shonga a State Counsel, takes up the leadership mantle, we hope neutrality will be the catchword.

We believe Mr Shonga, having held one of the most revered positions in the country, that of Attorney- General, will steer LAZ to greater heights, and not become “one of the opposition” to the government of the day.

Yesterday, Mr Shonga and his team paid a courtesy call at State House where they had a candid exchange of views with President Edgar Lungu.

Mr Shonga promised that the association under him intends to be neutral and non-political when carrying out its mandate.

We note that Mr Shonga called for closer ties with Government to deal with various national pressing matters such as the constitution-making process which we feel is a step in the right direction.

LAZ, established as an Act of Parliament was meant to act as an advisor to the government and in recognition of its importance in the governance of the country has an input in the appointment of judges for example.

Mr Shonga at the same time asked President Lungu to accord LAZ an open-door policy so that it could contribute positively.

We do not think President Lungu would not want to work with LAZ. If anything, it has been the association that has distanced itself from Government.

As the President noted. The association must revisit the condition of elevating lawyers to the status of State Counsel to enhance dignity and honour of the office.

President Lungu said it was disappointing that some State Counsels had taken a partisan stance instead of objectively advising Government on national legal matters as expected of them.

We have seen in the recent past how the conduct of some senior lawyers – State Counsels to be precise – has been unacceptable, publicly insulting members of the bench, and the political leadership.

“State Counsels are lawyers for the state so to speak, and the State can call upon a State Counsel to render advice. But, unfortunately what we see in Zambia, State Counsels are busy demonising the Judiciary, Executive and everyone else,” observed Mr Lungu.

Yet by virtue of their positions, they had access to all the high offices in the land – State House inclusive.

It is our prayer that the two parties, the executive and LAZ will henceforth move in one direction. Even if there are differences along the way, let these be resolved in a courteous manner.

Let that cantankerous spirit that appeared to afflict the former executive be exorcised and all start afresh.

Clearly, the change of guard in LAZ heralds a new beginning – for the better.