Maravi

NGOCC calls for scrutiny of appointees

NGOCC calls for scrutiny of appointees
By Kombe Chimpinde
Thu 17 Nov. 2011, 13:59 CAT

NGOCC has called for serious scrutiny and consultation over people that are being appointed to the public service by President Michael Sata.

Commenting on President Sata's revocation of the appointment of former ministry of health permanent secretary Dr Simon Miti, as ambassador designate to Switzerland, Non-Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC) board chairperson Beatrice Grillo said that the appointment of people with questionable track records would dent the fight against corruption.

"As women movement, we have to state categorically that these appointments have been revoked because they were not in line with the government's fight against corruption," Grillo said.

"The President has come out clearly that he is allergic to corruption. Now appointing people with issues that are still before the courts would dent his image as a fighter against corruption."

She said there was need for President Sata to scrutinise every appointment
before it was done and announced.

"We are also concerned because it is sending the wrong message; it's like there is no consultation and reflection on these appointments and I think this is not good. We are hoping the process of consultation is streamlined, it should be before they come to the public because it is embarrassing that people are appointed and later dropped after people have cried out," Grillo said.

"We are saying the appointments must be screened before they have been made and announced."

Grillo said NGOCC was saddened with the appointment of Dr Miti who is a key witness in a serious corruption scandal.

President Sata on Tuesday revoked the appointment of Dr Miti as Zambia's ambassador to Switzerland.

In revoking the appointment, the President directed the Secretary to the Cabinet to furnish him with a full report regarding Dr Miti's employment status in the civil service.

Dr Miti has been on forced leave since 2009 following investigations into the K27 billion corruption scam which occurred at the Ministry of Health during his tenure as permanent secretary.

Soon after being put on forced leave, Dr Miti wrote to then president Rupiah Banda explaining himself over the investigations on public funds embezzlement. In his letter dated May 24, 2009 to Banda through presidential principal private secretary Austin Sichinga, Dr Miti gave his reflections and observations on the financial scam in the Ministry of Health and his family ties to the head of state.

Labels: MICHAEL SATA, NGOCC, SIMON MITI

posted by MrK @ 6:48 PM