Metro

Zambia: Opposition party leader accuses President Hichilema of being manipulative, authoritarian

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2024

The president of one of Zambia’s opposition parties, New Era Democratic (NED), Pumulo Situmbeko, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of being manipulative and authoritarian, following the recent suspension of three Constitutional Court judges.

Situmbeko, who bared her mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor, described the action of the president as a direct attack on democracy.

Situmbeko noted that the judges had presided over former President Edgar Lungu’s 2021 eligibility case, and questioned the timing and motivations behind their suspension by Hichilema, saying the president’s action raised significant concerns about conflict of interest and authoritarianism as the case directly involved him.

“For a sitting president to dismiss or appoint judges in a matter that involves him personally is not only a profound abuse of power but also a breach of professional ethics and integrity,” the NED leader said.

She however, warned that the move compromised the judiciary’s independence and eroded public trust in the justice system, emphasizing that by suspending the judges involved in a case concerning the president, there was a risk that remaining or newly appointed judges could be influenced or intimidated into making biased rulings.

“This manipulation of the judiciary to serve the president’s interests threatens the very foundation of impartial justice, which is critical to democracy,” Situmbeko stated.

She also raised concerns about Joseph Busengwa, the individual who requested the judges’ suspension, pointing out his close personal relationship with the president, as evidenced on social media which calls into question the motivations behind the suspensions and the possible influence of external actors on judicial decisions.

“The involvement of an individual closely connected to the president, with a questionable background, in this process is deeply troubling,” Situmbeko said.

Situmbeko highlighted that Lungu’s eligibility case had been heard multiple times, with no new compelling evidence presented to warrant reopening it.

“This is not only a waste of judicial resources but a deliberate attempt to manipulate the outcome of a previously settled matter,” she concluded.

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Metro

All the choices we have made are for sustainable, inclusive growth— Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that all the choices his administration has made since assuming office 17 months ago have been made to stop the country’s decline and put it on a path to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Tinubu, who made the assertion at the 54th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was encouraging that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth for the first and second quarters of 2024 was positive, giving credence to his reforms and policies.

The president, who was represented by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, noted that it was gladdening that inflation was on a downward trend, and the foreign exchange market was stabilising, with encouraging investment signals.

“We are continuing with innovative reform measures: digitisation of revenue collection and government services, consumer credit system to boost manufacturing and enable access to goods and services,” Tinubu said in his address to the audience.

“Our reforms include removing punitive subsidies to the economy. Revenue bleeding has reduced, and the three tiers of government are receiving higher allocations, which enable more support to vulnerable populations.

“Social investment spending is increasing, the minimum wage has increased, student loans are available, and interventions to support NANO, MSME, farming, fishing, and the livestock sector have increased.

“Our collective vision for Nigeria’s future is anchored on strengthening our institutions and nurturing a pervasive culture of accountability,” he said.

He added that his government was committed to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to boost transparency and efficiency and cultivate strategic partnerships to pave the way for sustainable development.

Metro

10 Zambian miners confirmed dead, 20 feared trapped in Mumbwa mine tragedy

Published

20 hours ago

October 8, 2024

Isaac Dachen

At least 10 Zambian miners have been confirmed dead, with 20 others feared missing after the collapse of the Lwiili Mine located in the Mumbwa region.

The devastating accident, which was confirmed by the Member of Parliament representing Nangoma, Collins Nzovu, and the Zambia Police, was said to have occured on Monday.

Search efforts are ongoing to locate the missing miners.

“I regret to confirm a tragic mining accident at Lwiili Mine in Nangoma, where 20 lives are feared lost. As of now, nine bodies have been retrieved, with 10 confirmed dead,” Nzovu stated in a video posted on his official Facebook account.

He also stated that President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango had been informed of the incident and urged residents and the bereaved to remain calm.

The Central Province Police Chief, Charity Chanda, who also confirmed the incident in a statement, said five miners were also injured.

“An unknown number of people were conducting mining activities when the earth collapsed on them,” Chanda said.

He added that rescue teams recovered six injured miners, but one later died at Nangoma Mission Hospital.

The police chief also said bodies of the deceased have been taken to Mumbwa General Hospital Mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Nangoma Mission Hospital.