Maravi

Zambians should join corruption fight, urges Fr Kashimoto

Zambians should join corruption fight, urges Fr Kashimoto
By Allan Mulenga
Tue 07 Feb. 2012, 12:59 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata must be more vigilant and closely monitor all those he is appointing to various portfolios, says Fr Daniel Kashimoto.

Commenting on the sacking of Chipoya, who was President Sata's senior private secretary, for alleged corruption, Fr Kashimoto, the Mpika Diocese pastoral coordinator, said the President should put up corrective measures towards the scourge.

"The move taken by the President is a commendable one, and l would urge him to stick to this path. This sends a very good signal to anyone, not only those closest to the President, but anyone who would be found wanting in the fight against corruption. The concern for everyone should now be; if he can do this to a very close person, what about those of us around him and those far away from him? For the ministers and other government workers, this must teach you something about the way you conduct national affairs," he said.

Fr Kashimoto urged all Zambians to join the fight against corruption.

"We all need to rise to the challenge of being champions in the fight against corruption. This is not the work of the President alone, because some people are likely to take advantage of lacking all the information he may need on any issue, it is the work of every well-meaning Zambian to fight corruption. Let us all stand to defend our motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation'," said Fr Kashimoto.

President Sata a week ago fired Chipoya for alleged corruption.

Sources disclosed that Chipoya was relieved of his duties after he tried to facilitate a meeting between the President and former operators of the Zambia Revenue Authority border scanners.

And over a week ago, the government terminated the contracts given to Bradwell International and Cargo Scan to manage border scanners.

This was after the ZRA Commission of Inquiry recommended that appropriate action be taken against former president Rupiah Banda and 13 former government officials for the fraudulent procurements regarding the border scanners and concession-related contracts.

Sources said officials from the companies tried to arrange for a meeting with President Sata last week, through Chipoya, so that they could explain their position and possibly seek a reversal.

According to the sources, the officials convinced Chipoya to arrange the meeting and even promised him some money.

The source said Chipoya was sent an envelope containing US$2,000 (K10 million) from the officials as gratification for facilitating the meeting with the President.

According to the sources, the envelope instead found itself on President Sata's desk, who immediately relieved Chipoya of his duties.

Labels: CATHOLIC CHURCH, CORRUPTION, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 2:02 PM