The cancer eating our nation

The cancer eating our nation
By Editor
Sunday July 29, 2007 [04:00]

There is no doubt that the cancer of corruption has permeated our society so deeply that a lot needs to be done in order to stop its unprecedented spread. Going by recent revelations, it is clear that the cancer of corruption is eating deep into every walk of life, where even institutions and agencies that are supposed to be the troubleshooters now appear to be victims of the scourge.

But even as it is now indubitable that corruption is destroying our nation, it would appear as if there is no sense of urgency for action from those in government. Only the other day, we were reminding President Levy Mwanawasa and his government that the commitment to fighting corruption will be meaningless if Zambians are unable to see a sense of seriousness from his government. And now with all signs pointing to corrupt activities at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), especially that the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has moved in to investigate allegations of corruption at its sister agency, it is surprising that Levy should be dragging his feet to move in and act. Following revelations of alleged corruption at DEC, a number of organisations and individuals have requested that in the interest of fairness and justice, the DEC Commissioner and his deputy be suspended, especially that their names have been mentioned in the allegations. If the duo continue performing their duties unhindered even as investigations continue, should the people of Zambia expect a diligent job from the ACC? If Levy is failing to move in on Ryan Chitoba, should Zambians continue believing his rhetoric for zero tolerance corruption? His silence and inaction on this matter suggests that he actually tolerates corruption. Levy’s inaction brings into question his ability to help cure Zambia of this cancer which is clearly destroying the nation.

If Levy and his government are truly concerned with the level of corruption in the country, it is necessary to heed the advice coming from outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Masaaki Miyashita because, as he says, there is need for more transparency in the way public funds are being utilised. We are also aware that the current Auditor General Anna Chifungula has done a commendable job in ensuring that public resources are accounted for so that they are not unnecessarily abused by corrupt individuals.

We have seen the tireless efforts by the Auditor General to bring out to the public examples of how corruption is deep-rooted in our system. Through her diligent work in her reports, she has shown the nation the gigantic nature of abuse of public resources by those who are actually supposed to be custodians of state resources. However, what is worrying is that those who should provide leadership in this fight appear to have gone to sleep, or maybe they have given up.

Why should it be taking media revelations or exposes to act on suspected corruption cases in the public service when there are established agencies to deal with investigations of such nature? Previosuly, there was the excuse that the ACC and other investigative wings were ill-funded and poorly staffed. Now, we know today that a good measure of resources have been extended to the ACC in order to help improve their operations. But as Levy once acknowledged, there appears to be very little coming from the ACC in terms of seriously dealing with corruption.

One does not need to be hoodwinked by the ACC report which was released on Friday because it fails to provide adequate evidence to show that corruption is actually being fought on the basis of its corresponding magnitude. We know that corruption is deep-rooted in the public service but we are yet to see a report to show which major corruption cases have been dealt with, with the tenacity and bravery we expect from the ACC.

It is understandable that prevention is better than cure and the ACC should be encouraged to do whatever is possible to deter people from engaging in any form of corrupt practices. But as the ACC keeps its prevention campaigns on, what should be realised is that public resources are also being lost at a high rate and in huge amounts. It is also understandable that prosecution of corruption cases is not the easiest task because most culprits are sophisticated and have developed elaborate skills to cover their tracks so well that it is not easy to catch up with them.

In this regard, we understand and appreciate the frustrations that the ACC is faced with in terms of prosecution of cases related to corruption or bribery. So sometimes we may need to exercise patience with the ACC. Nevertheless, we think that the ACC, being the main agency tasked with the responsibility of combating corruption, should take a leading role in ensuring that all corruption cases are dealt with conclusively in a manner that inspires confidence.

As for Levy and his government, we need to start seeing pragmatism as far as commitment to this fight is concerned. The fight against corruption will remain cosmetic as long as we continue to witness inaction from Levy in cases where his action is required or necessary. Levy should help, and not frustrate, the fight against corruption because this cancer is now threatening even the very institutions which are tasked to help prevent or correct it.

The cancer of corruption, which is eating our nation, is serious and it will spread to unmanageable levels if Levy and his government continue to pay lip-service and playing double-standards. We urge Levy and his colleagues in government to start demonstrating seriousness in fighting corruption by ensuring that there are no sacred cows in terms of prosecution over corrupt practices.