Maravi

Rupiah denies interfering with judiciary

Rupiah denies interfering with judiciary
By Chibaula Silwamba
Fri 10 Sep. 2010, 04:01 CAT

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday charged that self-anointed spokesmen for Zambians have been viciously and unjustifiably attacking the judiciary.

And President Banda has tasked new permanent secretary for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Dr Samson Phiri to devise a clear communication strategy to inform Zambians about the government’s achievements.

Speaking when he swore in Supreme Court judges Muyinda Wanki and Gregory Phiri, and two female High Court judges - Gaundential Milimo Salasini and Anessie Banda-Bobo, who is former registrar of the Patents and Companies Registration Office (PACRO) - President Banda dismissed allegations that his government was interfering with the operations of the judiciary.

“Lately, the judiciary has come under unjustified vicious attacks from a selected group of members of the public who have anointed themselves as spokesmen for the people of Zambia. I would like to say that my government condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms,” President Banda said.

He said if left unchecked, this unjustified criticism had the potential to erode public confidence in the judiciary.

“There have been allegations accusing my government of interference to the judiciary; let me assure the nation that my government will respect the rule of law and most especially the independence of the judiciary as prescribed by the Constitution of Zambia,” President Banda said. “I wish to urge you to remain steadfast as you discharge your functions. Your decisions should be based on what the law says regardless of public opinion.”

President Banda said the judiciary was a cornerstone institution in any democracy because it was the final arbiter in all the fields.

He said it was crucial that people respect the sanctity of the principle of judicial independence.

“I am happy to note that most of you have come from diverse background in the legal profession. Some of you have been in the public service for a very long time and have distinguished yourselves. On the other hand, some of you have been drawn from the private sector where you have equally distinguished yourselves,” President Banda said.

“It is important that we have a judiciary, which is a blend that is carefully selected in order for the people of Zambia to benefit from a diverse and robust judiciary.”

President Banda said the government had decided to increase the High Court establishment from 30 to 50 and nine to 11 for the Supreme Court. He hoped that the establishment of the full time provincial High Courts in places such as Kasama, Mongu, Mansa, Solwezi and Chipata would be considered.

“This will increase the number of people who will be able to access justice at the High Court level in the provinces,” he said.

President Banda conferred the status of state counsel on Zesco’s former legal counsel Mubanga Kondolo and swore him in as Solicitor General.
“Your client is the government and no one else,” President Banda told Kondolo.

After swearing in Dr Samson Phiri, who was working in South Africa before his appointment, President Banda said it was his intention to appoint qualified Zambians, even those in the Diaspora, to positions of responsibilities.

“My government has invested a lot in infrastructure development in all the provinces. I want you and your team at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services to devise a clear communication strategy, which will inform the nation of these achievements,” President Banda told Dr Phiri.

Labels: JUDICIARY, RUPIAH BANDA, SAMSON PHIRI

posted by MrK @ 4:23 AM