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(LUSAKATIMES) Don’t pardon former leaders-Mmembe

Don’t pardon former leaders-Mmembe
TIME PUBLISHED - Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 8:32 am

Post Newspapers Managing Editor Fred Mmembe has said that all former leaders who committed crimes should be made to answer for their actions. Mr. Mmembe said that the PF government should not in any way be seen to pardon criminal activities committed by former leaders even if there is friendship involved.

He said that The Post Newspaper is happy with the current leadership and will do all its best to support government so that it delivers in accordance with the promises it made to the people.

Mr. Mmembe said that his Newspaper’s support to government should not be seen as compromise because the paper is beyond compromise.

He was speaking at the opening of an in-house training course for Post Newspaper journalists in Lusaka on yesterday.

Mr M’membe said The Post will strive to work with government in its quest to develop the country. He was, however, quick to point out that the newspaper will not hesitate to criticise the PF government when necessary.

“We will support government to deliver development but we (Post newspaper) are beyond being compromised. No-one can buy our principles and values. If criticism is what will make government deliver, so be it,” he said.

And Information and Broadcasting Minister Fackson Shamenda praised the Post Newspaper for the role it has played in helping shape Zambian democracy.

He said that the Paper has over the years demonstrated its courage in ensuring that it stands on its principles.

The Minister also took time to thank Mr. Mmembe for encouraging him to join politics.

And Mr Shamenda said preparations towards the enactment of the Freedom of Information bill are progressing well. He said government is likely to table the bill in Parliament in the next few months.

“You may wish to know that with support from the United States government, a team of eight media and other professionals from the legal and civil society in Zambia is currently touring the United States of America to familiarise itself with freedom of information laws in that country.

“We believe the experience the team will bring back from this tour will be useful in our freedom of information process in Zambia,” Mr Shamenda said.

[ZNBC]

Labels: FACKSON SHAMENDA, FRED M'MEMBE, THE POST

posted by MrK @ 8:30 PM