Lungu challenged to explain why he is still Defense Minister

President Edgar Lungu has been challenged to tell the nation whether he is drawing a salary as he continues to serve as Defence Minister.

The Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says it does not understand why it has taken the President long to appoint a Defence Minister.

Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says his organization believes President Lungu has too many responsibilities as Head of State to continue holding the post of Defence Minister.

Boniface Cheembe

Mr. Cheembe has told QFM News that SACCORD believes it will go a long way in reducing his workload if the President appointed a suitably qualified Defence Minister of his choice.

He says this is particularly that it is now becoming increasingly confusing and embarrassing to hear President Lungu being referred to as Defence Minister in some section of the media.

Mr Cheembe says SACCORD’s appeal for the President to relinquish the Ministerial position is further premised on the fact that he will be more effective and efficient in executing his duties as Head of State.

And Mr. Cheembe has observed that the ball is now in President Lungu’s hands to act upon the resolutions made by the Tonga speaking people of Southern Province over their grievances relating to the tribal remarks attributed Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Davies Chama.

Mr. Cheembe has cautioned President Lungu to be wary that the whole nation is waiting to see how he will address the raised grievances.