PF defends newly sworn in Judicial Service Commission

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has asked the people of Zambia to dismiss as hogwash alleged propaganda by the Post Newspaper and Rainbow Party president Wynter Kabimba that the new Judicial Service Commission was sworn -in in secrecy by Chief Justice Irene Mambilima.

The ruling PF says it does not find anything irregular about the new Judicial Service Commission which now comprises the chairperson former Chief Justice Matthew Ngulube, acting deputy chief justice Marvin Mwanamwamba, Attorney General Likando Kalaluka, Solicitor General Abraham Mwansa, Dean of Law School at the University of Zambia Fredrick Mudenda, MMD Mumbwa Member of Parliament Brian Chituwo and Chief Resident Magistrate Aridah Chulu.

In a statement to Qfm News PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri says this is despite its swearing in ceremony having taken place in-camera.

Ms. Phiri has wondered what the rationale behind any secrecy for a Commission whose business will interface the general public can be.

She states that her party also thinks that the daily tabloid newspaper and Mr. Kabimba have no morality to question former Chief Justice Ngulube’s standing and track record.

Ms. Mumbi says Justice Ngulube has chaired several commissions with honor since he left office as Chief Justice such as chairing the Tribunal which investigated Judge Katenekwa and his being a member of the Judge Sunkutu Tribunal.

She notes that this is besides Justice Ngulube being an expert on the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) and the Technical Committee on Drafting of the Draft Constitution.