Keep to your lane

Dear Editor,

I REFER to the media reports in which Mr. Tito Mboweni has criticised President Edgar Lungu for relieving Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya of his duties and replacing him with Mr. Christopher Mvunga, former Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet in charge of Finance and Economic Affairs.

Zambia is a sovereign state and its Head of State and Chief Executive can appoint and dismiss staff in the name of the people of Zambia.

In this case, Article 214 (1) of Government Act No.2 of 2016 which is the Constitution of Zambia, states that: There shall be a Governor of the Bank of Zambia who shall be appointed by the President subject to ratification by the National Assembly and who shall be –

A citizen.

A person who has specialised training and experience in economics, finance, accounting, banking, law or other field relevant to banking as prescribed.

A person of proven integrity.

The relinquishment of the appointment in this position is a prerogative of the President. In this case in point, I concur with the Minister of Information, Ms Dora Siliya on what she said in her reaction.

Mr. Mboweni has attacked the President of Zambia over the relinquishment of Dr Kalyalya’s employment as Governor of the central bank. And I quote, “in a series of tweets Mr. Mboweni demanded the reinstatement of Dr. Kalyalya, threatening to mobilise hell.”

Is this hell the South African Army or his personal army?

Zambia is a sovereign state and the President who is the Head of State and Commander In Chief of the Army is elected to serve and protect the nation at all costs.

Zambia should request the extradition of Mr. Mboweni through the President of South Africa Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to Zambia to justify his statement to President Lungu.

PROFESSOR PATRICK FRANCIS MANDA.