Metro

Zambian NGOs rate President Hichilema’s reforms as not far-reaching

Published

15 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Two Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Zambia, the Transparency International-Zambia (TI-Z) and the Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI), have rated the government of President Hakainde Hichilema’s interventions and reforms as below average while calling on the government to urgently implement the Public Audit Act of 2016 and the State Audit Commission Act of 2016.

TI-Z President, Priscilla Chansa, in an interview with Zambia Monitor, underscored the importance of the laws in ensuring the administrative and financial independence of the Office of the Auditor General, describing it as a cornerstone of public accountability.

Chansa stressed that strengthening the Auditor General’s Office was not just a constitutional requirement but a critical step toward safeguarding public resources and improving governance.

“Several promises of governance reforms made by the UPND administration remain largely unfulfilled, despite repeated commitments at various international and local platforms,” Chansa said.

She pointed out stalled constitutional reforms, which was a key pledge in the 8th National Development Plan, and criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s roadmap, which she said had deepened public skepticism.

“This opacity has left stakeholders in the dark and raises doubts about the sincerity of the government’s commitment to such a critical undertaking,” she stated, while urging the government to provide a clear roadmap for the constitutional reform process and, if deemed a lower priority, engage the Zambian public in an open conversation to dispel speculation.

The TI-Z President also criticised the administration’s failure to implement asset declarations and lifestyle audits, calling it a missed opportunity to enhance transparency and accountability.

“We reiterate our call for the enactment of a comprehensive asset and liability declaration law to address this critical area,” she appealed.

Also speaking in a separate interview, the CLRI Executive Director, Mundia Hakoola, called attention to unresolved governance issues in Zambia, warning that delays and inefficiencies continue to undermine efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.

Hakoola warned that the absence of a clear and inclusive roadmap for the process risks eroding public trust.

“CLRI urges the government to prioritize this issue, ensuring the process is consultative, transparent, and reflective of the will of the Zambian people,” he said.

He also criticised the delay in appointing the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board, noting that it undermines Zambia’s anti-corruption efforts and economic stability.

“Corruption erodes public trust, hampers development, and exacerbates inequality. The government must expedite the appointment of a competent and independent board to strengthen the fight against corruption,” Hakoola added.

Addressing youth and women’s underrepresentation in decision-making, Hakoola emphasized the need for deliberate measures to boost inclusivity.

“A governance system reflecting Zambia’s diversity requires active participation from youth and women in public office and policymaking,” he said.

The CLRI also expressed alarm over restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and the press.

“A democratic society thrives when these rights are protected. The government must ensure that citizens can participate freely in governance without fear of repression,” Hakoola stated.

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Metro

Nigeria’s future is very bright, we’ll overcome challenges, VP Shettima says

Published

19 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his belief and optimism that the future of the country is very bright despite a myriad of economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Shettima, who expressed his hopes in a Christmas message, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to economic transformation, national security, and the overall well-being of all citizens.

Shettima assured Nigerians that Tinubu was resolute and was working assiduously to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians,” the VP said.

“We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” he added, while emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, and called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima reiterated that the present administration will continue to prioritize national security and assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the country’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.

Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

2 days ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.