Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) We can’t investigate a sitting president, says DEC

COMMENT - In short, mr. Nyamwali is saying that the president is above the law. That means that the system is rotten and needs a major overhaul.

We can’t investigate a sitting president, says DEC
Friday, December 31, 2010, 10:27

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) spokesperson John Nyawali has said the commission cannot question or investigate the sources of campaign finances which President Rupiah Banda has been donating to various NGOs and individual citizens.

Mr. Nyawali said the commission was limited in its mandate because the sitting president enjoyed absolute immunity to such investigations.

He was reacting to numerous calls from the civil society organisations who were calling on the commission to extend their investigations of money laundering to the ruling party.

But Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has accused the DEC of being selective in the application of law.

TIZ president Reuben Lifuka said it was wrong for the DEC to hide behind the law of immunity which the president enjoyed, saying DEC should ask whether the president was committing any wrongs enough to warrant investigations.

He said the DEC was exhibiting double standards by finding it easy to investigate opposition party leaders.

Labels: CORRUPTION, DEC, JOHN NYAWALI, PRESIDENCY, REUBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ

posted by MrK @ 9:27 PM