Maravi

The law must decide fate of corrupt leaders - Saccord

The law must decide fate of corrupt leaders - Saccord
By Roy Habaalu
Tue 13 Mar. 2012, 13:58 CAT

THOSE who abused power during their time in government cannot be left to walk our streets as though Zambia had no laws, says SACCORD.

In an interview, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (Saccord) information officer Obby Chibuluma said corruption will only be eradicated if successive leaders took strong positions against those that abused resources and ensure that the law decides their fate.

He said in view of the many MMD leaders appearing in court, Zambians were expectant to see the role they played and an expedited investigation process would help establish what really happened.

"If this will include former president Rupiah Banda, justice demands that even him be made to answer for his part in the abuse of power as well as resources at the time he was in charge of the country. There should be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption if Zambia is to win this war," said Chibuluma.

He said the statement by President Michael Sata that he had not commented on the lifting of Banda's immunity was in a good spirit aimed at not exerting undue pressure on investigative wings, Parliament and the Judiciary.

Recently, President Sata said he had not commented on the former president's immunity because he wanted the law to take its course.

Chibuluma said while there was no case against former president Banda in court, there was every possibility that one would be there in future.

"Going by some of the revelations we have heard regarding the conduct of some of the leaders in the Rupiah Banda administration, a lot of abuse of public resources and positions was done by those who were in power then and it will only be helpful to the country to have these people answer for their transgressions. Those who abused their power during the time they were in government cannot just be left to continue walking our streets as though this is a country without laws. They must be made to answer in the courts of law.

"Our current leaders should not be seen to be tolerating former leaders who were corrupt just because they are now being friendly to them or are seen to have some political value," he said.

Labels: ACC, CORRUPTION, OBBY CHIBULUMA, SACCORD

posted by MrK @ 5:12 PM