Metro

Zambia: Ex-President Lungu alleges attack on democratic norms by govt following sack of nine PF lawmakers

Published

3 months ago

July 6, 2024

Former Zambian President, Edgar Lungu, has alleged that the government of President Hakainde Hichilema is attacking democratic norms by using the parliament to strangle the opposition.

Lungu, who made the allegations during a press conference in Lusaka on Friday while reacting to the sacking of nine members of the Patriotic Front (PF) from the parliament during the week, said his party would vigorously contest the expulsions of the MPs through legal and political means.

Lungu further expressed what he described as serious concerns about the current administration’s erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in Zambia.

He also accused the current government of misusing the Speaker’s office to target perceived opponents of the ruling party, calling it an abuse of power.

“During my tenure, we never interfered with the workings of the National Assembly. My government respected national principles and the separation of powers,” Lungu said.

He warned that if Zambia fails to oppose the unconstitutional expulsion of lawmakers, it would signal a dangerous attack on democracy, adding that the Hichilema administration is displaying dictatorial powers, contrast with his administration’s practices since 2015 when he took office.

“Sadly, the respect for power and democratic principles that we upheld has been undermined under the current government. Since Mr. Hakainde Hichilema assumed power, we have witnessed a decline in governance integrity,” Lungu lamented.

“Those familiar with Article 72 of the Constitution will appreciate its significance. It’s crucial that we uphold the rule of law and democratic norms in our country,” he concluded.

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Metro

Nigeria: President Tinubu identifies ways to address hunger

Published

23 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President Bola Tinubu believes that the localisation of production processes and cost reduction are critical factors in addressing hunger and high cost of living in Nigeria.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 2024 National MSME Conference held in Abuja on Thursday, emphasised that the country’s economic challenges, especially food insecurity, stems from a reliance on imported goods and inefficient local production.

The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, noted that Nigerians experienced hunger because the country has not fully localised production processes that will help in reducing costs effectively.

“I also realise the importance of innovation and digitalisation to this purpose. There is no justice in creating an economy that is not sustainable for the coming generations,” the President said.

“Our constitution frowns upon it, I frown upon it, and morality frowns upon it. As a country, we are still suffering the effects of trying to shift from a crude-based economy which has left us debt-ridden.

“Thus, stating the role of MSMEs, said they were the engines of rural industrialisation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.

He further reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and innovation-driven economy while calling for collective efforts to enhance local production capabilities, stating that by reducing production costs, the government could improve access to essential goods and alleviate hunger.

Metro

Ghana reports ‘unclear variation’ of Mpox case

Published

23 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

According to a statement, Ghana’s health agency has reported the first incidence of Mpox in the nation this year, however, it did not specify which strain was reported.

Testing is being conducted to ascertain whether the Mpox virus, which is causing alarm worldwide due to its rapid spread and lack of knowledge about its strain, is the clade Ib type.

In Ghana, Mpox cases were previously reported in 2022 and 2023.

The patient was identified as a young man with body aches, a rash, and a fever in the statement. It stated that 25 contacts have been found and are under observation.

After the virus spread to neighbouring countries in August, the World Health Organisation declared a worldwide public health emergency for the second time in two years due to an outbreak of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The clade I variety of Mpox, which is endemic in some regions of West and Central Africa, and the recently emerged clade Ib, which is more contagious through close contact, including sexual contact, are the two strains that are spreading.

Mpox is a virus that can be transmitted from person to person through personal contact, as well as from place to person by objects and surfaces touched by a person infected with mpox.