Maravi

LAZ seeks suspension of Chitoba

LAZ seeks suspension of Chitoba
By Noel Sichalwe and Inonge Noyoo
Sunday July 29, 2007 [04:00]

THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) yesterday asked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to recommend the suspension of DEC Commissioner Ryan Chitoba and his deputy Jacob Koyi while investigating the financial scandal. And United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota has also called for the suspension of Chitoba and Koyi from duties pending the conclusion of investigations.

LAZ president Elijah Banda yesterday said ACC should be mindful of the fact that the allegations against Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) commissioner Chitoba and Koyi were serious.

Banda said ACC should not be restrained by the fact that it was investigating a sister law enforcement agency but rather conduct its work professionally.
"In their exercise of their work, anything considered to be an interference, ACC has the powers to do something about it," Banda said. "If the commission is aware of anything that is making it difficult to reach potential witnesses, they have the power to restrain the DEC Commissioner from any interference in the performance of their duties. As LAZ, we denounce any moves aimed at restraining the investigation and interference with potential witnesses."
He said the ACC should be aware that its had unrestrained powers to conduct thorough investigations.

And Sikota said the spate of searches and arrests of officers of the DEC were matters of grave concern.

He said there was a need to ensure that there was no 'witch hunt' at the institution.
"The recent transfers and demotions at DEC by Chitoba raise a lot of questions. In view of the fact that prior to these spates of transfers, demotions, searches and arrests, investigations were instituted against Chitoba and his deputy, there is need to suspended him pending the conclusion of investigations," he said.

Sikota said the allegations against Chitoba were sufficiently grave.
He said in order to ensure that there was no interference with possible witness and evidence, those facing allegations should be on suspension.

"What is currently going on at DEC will not only demoralise the workforce but also reduce the public's confidence in the institution," said Sikota.

ACC director general Nixon Banda on Friday expressed worry at the manner that Chitoba was transferring employees suspected to be whistle-blowers in the abuse of authority of office scandal.

Addressing the press, Banda said the ACC was studying the matter to see how it could help. He said the reported transfer of DEC employees suspected to have been whistle blowers could have been an administrative matter.
"The current ACC Act does not contain the provision for the protection of whistle blowers but there is an Act that provides for protection of potential witnesses," Banda said.

Banda also said that ACC could not at the moment recommend whether Chitoba should be sent on forced leave or not. ACC recently started investigating Chitoba and Koyi for abuse of office involving about K1 billion.

Labels: ACC, ELIJAH BANDA, LAZ, RYAN CHITOBA

posted by MrK @ 4:46 AM