NGOCC advises First Lady to stay away from politics

The Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has advised First Lady Esther Lungu to desist from engaging in partisan activities that will bring misunderstanding by other players.

NGOCC Board Secretary Patricia Mubanga in a statement released to QFM News says the First Lady is the figurehead Mother of the Nation who must not be dragged in divisive partisan political activities.

Ms Mubanga notes that it’s unclear where the First Lady is drawing the resources she is using especially with the much publicized donations she is making.

She adds that the NGOCC also notes that the First Lady’s entourage includes public service workers, who especially, pose a cost implication on government coffers.

Ms Mubanga says Cabinet Office should therefore come out clear and inform the Zambian people which budgetary allocation the First Lady is using in terms of the donations she is making as well as logistical support for trips.

She notes that this will not only enhance transparency and accountability, but will also protect the First Lady.

She states that as long as the sources of resources the First Lady is using are not disclosed, the Zambian citizenry will continue speculating and that this may hamper the effective role that the office of the First Lady should be playing in harnessing peace and well-being in the country.

Mr Mubanga further notes that the office of the First Lady is not constitutional and therefore must not be party to national Treasury resource appropriation.

She states that the NGOCC notes the urgent need for the Legislature to immediately come up with a legal framework to guide the operations and define the role of the First Lady’s office.