Maravi

HH calls for professionalism in public institutions

HH calls for professionalism in public institutions
By Noel Sichalwe
Sunday August 12, 2007 [04:36]

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday called for professionalism in public institutions to avoid abuse of office suspicions like what was happening at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Commenting on the suspension of DEC Commissioner Ryan Chitoba, Hichilema said it was sad that an institution that was helping to fight corruption was involved in such financial scandals.

"In the first place, DEC is an institution helping to fight corruption. But it is sad that such an institution can be found to be involved in such activities," he said.

Hichilema said the alleged scandals at DEC could interfere with government pronouncements about fight corruption. He said there was need to ensure that institutions handling public resources were strengthened and that professionalism should be the core emphasis of anybody leading such institutions.

Hichilema said Chitoba and his deputy Jacob Koyi were supposed to show some professionalism in their conduct of their work instead of being embroiled in abuse of office allegations as was now the case.

"We need to bring professionalism to various institutions," he said.

Hichilema said it would be prudent for the supervising officers to take appropriate action against erring government officers. He said Zambia should start paying attention to matters of professionalism and prudence in the management of public resources.

"We need to take the country to the next level of institutionalism and professional conduct for people leading in public institutions," he said.

Hichilema said the government should not wait for public pressure to suspend or investigate officers suspected to be involved in the misuse of public resources. He said no one should be regarded differently when it came to facing justice.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating Chitoba and Koyi for abuse of authority of office. Secretary to Cabinet Joshua Kanganja has since announced the suspension of Chitoba to pave way for investigations. Inspector General of Police Ephraim Mateyo is currently overseeing the operations of DEC.

Labels: DEC, GOVERNANCE, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, RYAN CHITOBA

posted by MrK @ 3:57 PM