Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambian Parliament
Parliament has unanimously voted to approve President Edgar Lungu’s declaration of a state of threatened public emergency made on Wednesday, 5th July, 2017 under Statutory Instrument No. 53 of 2017.
This follows President Lungu’s invocation of Article 31.
The declaration of a state of threatened public emergency which give the Police sweeping powers will now be enforced for a period of 90 days.
After a lengthy debate which lasted for about four hours, eighty five Members of Parliament voted in favour of the motion with none voting against it.
Earlier in winding up debate on the motion, Vice President Inonge Wina who moved the motion assured the nation that there is nothing to fear during the 90 days that Article 31 will be in force.
Ms Wina however, said those on the wrong side of the law should be worried.
And Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo has assured the public that the law enforcers will not abuse the powers.
Mr. Kampyongo says officers who will be found misusing the powers they have been given during the 90 days period will be brought to book.
Meanwhile Justice Minister Given Lubinda has also assured the citizenry that government will not allow the Law enforcers to abuse human rights, but will ensure that they protect innocent people.