Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) is alarmed by High Court Judge Mwila Chitabo’s decision to stay the Tribunal appointed by President Lungu, which they view as a direct affront on President Lungu.
PF Media Committee Vice Chairperson Sunday Chanda in a statement made available to QFM News says history in Zambia and the commonwealth is replete of examples that state that the President has constitutional power without any question or reservation, hence staying or stopping the executive decision a President takes is like slapping the person sworn to the office of the President in the face.
PF Media Committee Vice Chairperson Sunday Chanda
Mr. Chanda says in the history of Zambia, Judge Chitabo’s action only reminds Zambians of the action taken in the High Court by Judge Anthony Nyangulu when he grossly and erroneously ruled that President Mwanawasa was wrong to appoint Legislators from the opposition on the instigation of Brig General Godfrey Miyanda in 2003.
Mr. Chanda recalls that the matter back-fired right in the face of Judge Nyangulu who later issued an apology stating that he made the illegal ruling because he had malaria leaving him as a laughing-stock in the eyes of the legal fraternity.
Mr. Chanda hopes that Judge Chitabo is ready to concede defeat and feign an ailment once the book is thrown at him and precedent is cited.
He has urged judges to respect the law the same way ordinary citizens do.
He says the people expect more actually from Judges hence the reason the party also call upon the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to examine the decision passed by Judge Chitabo to overrule President Lungu.
And Mr. Chanda has also challenged LAZ to tell the nation why it is only Judge Chitabo who handles favorably, the cases involving suspended DPP Mutembo Nchito.
And speaking in a walk-in interview, Governance Activist Maurice Malambo says there is need for people in key positions in the judiciary to have their conduct checked in a move to reaffirm public confidence in the judiciary.