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TIZ urges Task Force, Chungu to ensure justice is not defeated

TIZ urges Task Force, Chungu to ensure justice is not defeated
Written by Maluba Jere
Thursday, December 25, 2008 10:25:53 AM

TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) has urged both the Task Force on Corruption and former Access Financial Services director Aaron Chungu to ensure that the aims of justice are not defeated merely on the issue of a call out.

Commenting on Chungu’s refusal to appear before the Task Force on Monday, TIZ president Reuben Lifuka said it was contingent for Chungu and other accused persons to clear their names using the available avenues.

Lifuka said it was incumbent upon all parties in high profile cases not to politicise the investigation and prosecution process because that would unnecessarily divert attention from the core issues at hand.

“While the Task Force has faced operational challenges in the past, it cannot be denied that a lot has been achieved and this should not be diluted through unwarranted conduct which can be construed as unprofessional and we want to urge that necessary steps are taken to remedy what in the eyes of the accused is considered to be irregular,” he said. “It is necessary that credibility in the process of investigation and prosecution is upheld at all times.”

Chungu refused to appear before the Task Force on Monday arguing that the institution was not a constitutionally-mandated law enforcement agency to serve him with a call out.

“It is our belief that the Task Force, like every other Zambian, are desirous that the several corruption cases that they are handling are concluded in a manner that is above reproach.”

On Chungu’s statement that the Task Force was not a constitutionally-mandated law enforcement agency to serve him with a call out, Lifuka said there was need to see necessary legislation put in place to guide the work of the Task Force and also ensure institutional and financial accountability.

He has also requested President Rupiah Banda to urgently state his position and strategic vision for the Task Force on Corruption.

“The role of the Task Force should be time-bound so that as soon as possible, more sustainable institutional arrangements for investigating and prosecuting corruption and economic plunder cases are put in place,” he said. “Government should not pay lip-service to the fight against corruption; it should urgently develop strategies that will strengthen various institutions engaged in fighting corruption as well as reviewing the legal and policy framework.”

Lifuka said fighting corruption should not be reduced to a political sound bite for wooing voters.

He said it was a serious fight which required a systematic approach and dedicated leadership.

Lifuka urged the government to call for an evaluation of the fight against corruption and objectively assess the positive and negative aspects.

And Task Force on Corruption executive chairman Maxwell Nkole described as highly mischievous Aaron Chungu’s statement that the Task Force was not a constitutionally-mandated law enforcement agency to serve him with a call out.

Nkole said although the Task Force was not a creation of the law, it comprised officers seconded from the Zambia Police, Anti Corruption Commission and the Drug Enforcement Commission.

Labels: AARON CHUNGU, TASK FORCE, TIZ

posted by MrK @ 10:26 AM