Lungu warns Ministers against disloyalty

President Edgar Lungu has warned that he will not hesitate to fire disloyal and under-performing Ministers.

Speaking at State House today when he swore-in nine Cabinet Ministers, President Lungu says he expects total loyalty and support from the Ministers for effective service delivery.

He adds that he expects the Ministers to be at their best behavior, hard working and focused on the implementation of Government policies and delivering without fail, because that is what the Zambian people expect.

President Lungu underscored that the appointment of Ministers is his preserve and prerogative and that it is wrong to think that these appointments are being made at the expense of PF members who had supported, sacrificed and campaigned for his re-election.

The President says he was not making appointments to appease anyone, but he was merely looking for the best who could deliver and this was in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

President Lungu says he is aware of misguided concerns in the party that he was ignoring those who had served long in the party and were faithful, stating that the appointments were not about appeasements and rewarding followers but selecting the best to deliver.

The Head of State further stated that he will rally behind the Vice-President to remain in office because of her handy contribution, despite some sentiments that the ruling party did not get massive votes from Western Province where she hails from.

Those sworn-in are Given Lubinda as Justice Minister,Chishimba Kambwili as Information and Broadcasting Service Minister,Christopher Yaluma as Mines Minister,Michael Katambo as Livestock and Fisheries Minister and David Mabumba as Energy Minister.

Others are Charles Banda as Tourism and Arts Minister,Ronald Chitotela as Works and Supply Minister and Brian Mushimba as Communication and Transport Minister.

The President has also sworn- in Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development Christopher Mvunga, Deputy Army Commander, Major General Jackson Miti and High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania Benson Chali.