Opportunists should not hold PF to ransom - TIZ
By Allan Mulenga
Mon 15 Oct. 2012, 14:00 CAT
THE PF should not be held to ransom by a few greedy opportunists, says TIZ.
And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Rueben Lifuka has urged the PF to state the sources of funds that will be used to pay back its benefactors who are clamouring for government contracts to recoup what they spent on the party's campaigns in the last general elections.
Commenting on PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba´s statement that some senior government and party officials were engaging in corrupt activities to recoup the money they pumped into the party, Lifuka said the PF leadership should deal with the issue.
"It is evident from the statement made by Hon. Kabimba that the PF had a string of opportunists who funded the party in the vain hope of recouping on this 'investment' once the party formed government. This in itself is political corruption and the PF government and the people of Zambia should not be held to ransom by a few greedy opportunists," he said.
"It is incumbent upon the PF government and upon the PF leadership to purge the system of all such malcontents. We would have been happier to hear from the Minister of Justice on the type of sanctions taken against these senior government and party officials which should include reporting such inimical activities to the relevant authorities."
Lifuka urged the government to come up with a bill to prevent political parties from receiving financial support from its benefactors on the understanding that government contracts would be given to them once the party is elected.
"A few weeks ago, President Michael Sata requested those that were claiming that there was corruption in the PF government to provide the necessary evidence, Honourable Kabimba as Cabinet minister is well-placed to provide this to the President.
Further, Honourable Kabimba should use his position as Minister of Justice to take to Parliament a bill to regulate political party financing and stop this trend of political parties receiving financial support from its benefactors on the understanding that government contracts will be given to them once the party is elected. Unregulated political party financing is a source of serious forms of corruption," he said.
And Lifuka urged the PF to state the sources of funds that would be used to pay back its benefactors clamouring for government contracts.
"The question that begs an answer is where has the PF party suddenly found money to repay back its financial supporters including those trying to reap from government contracts? Clearly, the party received financial support because it was not well resourced to meet all its financial requirements and if this was the case then, is the PF saying in the one year it has been in office, it has amassed such wealth to be able to pay back its benefactors who are not clamouring for government contracts?
It will be a sad day for most Zambians if this country goes back to the period where the line between the party and the government was blurred. It will be a throwback to the dark ages if public funds are used to meet party expenses. Our caution to the PF is simple: do whatever you want with party finances but do not use public funds to fulfil your obligations," said Lifuka.
Kabimba last week said some senior government and party officials were engaging in corrupt activities to recoup the money they spent on the party.
Kabimba, who is also justice minister, urged all party members that spent money on the PF with intentions of recouping those monies when the party gets into government to submit their bills, so that they could be paid back.
He was reacting to Mike Mulongoti's statement that all he wanted from the PF and President Sata was a thank you for his time and resources in support of the PF campaign.
Labels: RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ, WYNTER KABIMBA
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Rupiah must keep quiet, show remorse - Mulongoti
By Kombe Chimpinde and Moses Kuwema
Sun 30 Oct. 2011, 13:50 CAT
MIKE Mulongoti says Rupiah Banda must keep quiet and show remorse for his wrongdoing while he served as Republican president. And Transparency International Zambia says former president Banda should be prepared to answer any allegations levelled against him in order to clear his name.
Commenting on Banda's statement that he was not worried about calls to have his immunity lifted by parliament, Mulongoti said one month was too short a time for Banda to quickly forget the rampant abuse of office and resources perpetrated by him and his government.
"He should keep quiet. I think it is in the interest of the public for him to keep quiet. It is too early. The man just lost an election and the list of wrong things that he did is there. We talked about them during the campaigns. There is nothing new, how can he forget so quickly?" Mulongoti wondered.
"We went to town talking about the mistakes he was making and a month later he thinks Zambians have forgotten. Why does he think Zambians voted him out? Zambians voted him out because of the wrong things he did and this is why he is causing problems to people in his party."
Mulongoti said Banda should not downplay calls for his immunity to be lifted because the pain he caused Zambians was too much.
"Let me remind him that the pain Zambians went through caused his removal. Let Rupiah give Zambians a break. Zambians will make the decision on whether Rupiah Banda's immunity should be lifted or not," Mulongoti said, adding that this was not up to him or the current President.
Mulongoti said downplaying the matter would only incite Zambians who were trying to restore honour and integrity to the office of the President.
"They say ‘the guilty are afraid', so the former president must wait for the law to take its course, as this is not a punishment itself, so that Zambians may establish whether he is innocent or guilty as he is claiming," said Mulongoti.
And TIZ president Rueben Lifuka said the organisation believed that Banda in discharging his functions was fully aware of the consequences of any illegal actions on his part.
"Transparency International Zambia wishes to state that the facility of removal of immunity of a president should be respected. It is in our Constitution for a purpose, namely to allow a former president to be investigated and if necessary prosecuted for criminal offences committed in office," he said.
Lifuka said Banda should therefore understand that if a decision was made by the government, with the consent of Parliament, it would be on the basis that a prima facie case(s) established against him.
He said Banda had no cause to fear the prospect of his immunity being lifted if he did not do anything which warranted such an action.
"We however, want to caution the PF government to conduct their investigations, if any, against Mr. Banda in a professional manner and one that is not driven by malice or retribution," said Lifuka.
Speaking to journalists shortly after he signed the book of condolences for the late Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Saultan bin Abdulaziz, former president Banda expressed anger at what he thought was a negative pattern being established in Zambia of stripping former heads of state of their immunity.
"Is that part of the Constitution that when the President loses an election you must take away his immunity? Is that part of the Constitution? I am not worried about my immunity or about anything," said Banda.
Labels: LEGAL IMMUNITY, MIKE MULONGOTI, RUEBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ
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TIZ cautions on Zamtel, FBZ sale investigations
By Ernest Chanda
Tue 04 Oct. 2011, 12:50 CAT
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) has appealed to President Michael Sata to ensure that investigations into the sale of Zamtel and Finance Bank Zambia Limited are handled professionally to avoid the country losing out.
Welcoming President Sata's order to probe the hasty sale of the two institutions by the MMD administration, Zambia chapter president Reuben Lifuka said it was important to avoid vindictiveness in the exercise.
"Transparency International Zambia wishes to welcome the intention of the PF Government to probe the circumstances surrounding the sale of Zamtel and specifically the valuation exercise conducted by RP Capital and the Finance Bank deal.
Generally, we want to believe that President Sata and his administration should satisfy themselves thatb these deals were conducted above board and there is no wrongdoing associated with these transactions at all," Lifuka said on Saturday.
"We would like to urge President Sata, however, to ensure that such probes are conducted in a professional and objective manner and should not be motivated by any malice or vindictiveness. Zambia will miss the benefit of such probes if these are influenced by narrow political interests.
It is our view that such probes should provide firstly, information on any possible wrongdoings and secondly recommendations on how government can avoid the noted shortcomings in the future." He said it would be necessary for the President to acquaint himself with the Justice Dennis Chirwa Tribunal findings and take some of the recommendations into consideration as he decided the way forward.
"Finally, we would like to advise President Sata to reassure investors that such probes were well intended and not meant to harass those that have genuinely invested or are willing to invest in this country," said Lifuka.
"It is an undeniable fact that Zambia still needs foreign investment but this should not limit the government's intention to probe all possible wrongdoings in the manner that some of the transactions such as Zamtel were handled."
After he swore in Vice-President Guy Scott, Cabinet and deputy ministers at State House on Friday, President Sata ordered his justice minister to probe the sale of the two institutions.
He further ordered the Minister of Justice to probe the National Pension Scheme Authority's US $98 million funding of the Zambia National Building Society expansion project.
"I've appointed the Minister of Justice to look into the sale of Finance Bank. We want to see the sale of Finance Bank; was it transparent or was it fraudulent? And you have to look into the sale of Zamtel. The people of Zambia suffered to build Zamtel, so it cannot just be given away like that. So I need that report within 30 days," said President Sata.
The MMD government hastily sold 75 per cent of Zamtel shares after then communications and transport minister Dora Siliya single-sourced RP Capital Partners of Cayman Islands to valuate the company's assets.
And four days before the recent general elections, the MMD government announced the sale of Finance Bank to First National Bank of South Africa at a giveaway price of K27 billion, despite public resentment against the transaction.
Labels: CORRUPTION, DORA SILIYA, FINANCE BANK, NAPSA, RP CAPITAL PARTNERS, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ, ZAMTEL
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Corruption fight should not be mere rhetoric - Lifuka
By Chibaula Silwamba
Wed 27 Oct. 2010, 04:03 CAT
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda and other stakeholders must provide demonstrated leadership in the fight against corruption because the international community closely watch the government’s actions or lack of action on cases of corruption, Transparency International has advised.
Launching the Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2010, TI Zambia Chapter president Reuben Lifuka said in 2010, the CPI had surveyed 178 countries and Zambia had maintained a score of 3.0 out of 10 and it was now in the 18th rank category out of the 69 ranks.
Lifuka said this meant that the country had maintained the same points as last year.
“It is good in the sense that the country is not one of the countries that have declined on the index and this gives us hope that more can be done,” Lifuka said. “But it is also bad in that we have the potential as a country to reach the mid-point of 5.0 if not higher and all we need is a clear strategy and consistent action to deal with corruption.”
He said President Banda’s administration urgently needed to intensify the fight against corruption and this should be done with the seriousness and determination it deserved.
“This should be explicit in the manner government amends and enacts various pieces of legislation, policies and programmes that add value and unify various efforts in addressing corruption,” Lifuka said.
Lifuka said everything possible should be done to fight corruption and it should not be left to mere political rhetoric.
“The 2010 CPI results for Zambia are a pointer to the fact that little has been done to improve corporate face on the index. Therefore, a lot still remains to be done and government in particular should use CPI results to consolidate efforts,” he said.
“We recommend that government should do everything within its means not to remove the Abuse of Office clause in the revised ACC Act as this will frustrate the corruption fight. It therefore goes without saying that the current government’s commitment to graft fight will be demonstrated even in the actions it takes in amending and revising key pieces of legislation.”
He said no person or persons should be insulated from prosecution where such sufficient grounds exist and where necessary, government should not hesitate to appeal all cases where strong cogent evidence exists.
Lifuka recommended that law enforcement agencies expeditiously conclude the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases that had been pending for a long time.
Labels: CORRUPTION, RUEBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ, TRANSPARANCY
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Rupiah’s govt on path of self destruction - Lifuka
By Kombe Chimpinde
Thu 12 Aug. 2010, 14:00 CAT
FILE PICTURE:Transparency International Zambia [TIZ ] president
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia TIZ has charged that President Rupiah Banda’s government is seemingly on a path of self-destruction.
And TIZ has cautioned works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti to be a little more measured in the manner he makes public pronouncements especially those that hinge on donors.
Reacting to Mulongoti's recent statement uttered when he featured on Mazabuka FM over the weekend where he accused donors of seeking regime change in developing countries by withholding aid prior elections, TIZ president Reuben Lifuka said that Mulongoti's disparaging remarks is a clear indication that Rupiah Banda's government is trading on the path to destruction.
“TIZ, finds the statement attributed to Hon Mike Mulongoti vis-à-vis donors and regime change and on the calls for greater accountability, to be unfortunate and a sign that the Zambian government is seemingly on a path of self destruction. Hon Mulongoti’s statement explains why corruption is difficult to deal with in Zambia. Government simply fails to take appropriate and timely action against those found wanting,” Lifuka said.
He implored Zambians to ask themselves what would stop President Banda’s government from treating Zambians with what he termed “impunity” if it did the same to its most reliable donors.
“Is it any wonder that government is arrogantly insisting on the mobile hospital project notwithstanding the people’s opposition to it?” Lifuka questioned.
“It has become more convenient for government to blame donors, civil society and opposition political parties for their failings.”
He reminded government to keep it at the back of their minds that they were elected into office to exercise leadership even in difficult times like when donors withheld funding and that people did not expect them to indulge in the luxury of doing nothing.
Lifuka warned Mulongoti against issuing insensitive and careless statements stressing that this may hurt meaningful donor investment into the country and negatively affect international relations that government had so far established.
“Hon Mulongoti, has been in government long enough to appreciate the fact that donors or cooperating partners do not come into the country uninvited and our leadership including Hon Mulongoti make a conscious decision to enter into agreements with them. Such relationships for support trigger an obvious obligation for mutual accountability and the Zambian government is obliged to account for every ngwee that they receive,” said Likfuka.
TIZ has since called on the government to refocus its energies on devising practical ways towards fighting corruption and continued looting of public coffers as opposed to politicking.
Lifuka further stressed that the fight against corruption would not be won by sheer eloquence of words but through pragmatic actions.
Labels: DONORS, MIKE MULONGOTI, RUEBEN LIFUKA
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Task Force disbanded to protect Chiluba-TIZ
Sunday, November 1, 2009, 17:15
Transparency International Zambia TIZ has accused government for disbanding the Task force on corruption as a way of completely killing off the outstanding investigations against Dr Fredrick Chiluba and allegations which are still under investigations.
TIZ Zambia President Ruban Lifikelo
[Rueben Lifuka? - MrK] said the disbanding of the task force on corruption was done in an hastily manner which will have a negative consequence for some cases which are still before the courts of laws or under investigations.
Mr Lifekelo however said this raises questions whether the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) will be given room to independently investigate.
He said this at a press briefing in Lusaka today.
Mr Lifekelo pointed that the institution has been given additional responsibility while government has not indicated the support it will provide to improve its capacity .
He added that it could have been appropriate if government had strengthened the capacity of the ACC before making the transition.
Mr Lifekelo noted the fact that the tenure of task force on corruption was limited and plans should have been put in place to ensure a smooth transition into the ACC.
He added that the Taskforce has scored a number of successes and recovered several asserts hence the need for government to have evaluated the work of the Taskforce before disbanding in that way.
Mr Lifekelo attributed the disbanding of the task force on corruption by government as not being thoroughly thought through the decision adding that the move has taken undoubtedly added to their efforts of killing the fight against corruption and the late president Mwanawasa’s legacy of fighting corruption.
ZANIS
Labels: CHILUBA, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TASK FORCE, TIZ
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Lifuka calls for thorough probe into hearses saga
Written by George Chellah
Monday, July 06, 2009 11:59:03 AM
TRANSPARENCY International-Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka has said it is strange that local government minister Benny Tetamashimba is trying to distance himself from the procurement of hearses in the ministry. And Lifuka said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) should clearly establish the role that both Tetamashimba ad his predecessor Sylvia Masebo played in the hearses saga.
Lifuka said TIZ had observed with sadness the exchanges of words between Masebo and Tetamashimba over the decision and subsequent purchase of 100 hearses for distribution to various local authorities in Zambia.
"We find the exchange unfortunate and a sure sign of the weaknesses that are inherent in the manner that public affairs are being managed. First and foremost, while we question the rationale and appropriateness of purchasing 100 hearses, we find it strange that Hon Tetamashimba would like to distance himself from a decision taken by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing at the time that Hon Masebo was Minister,” Lifuka said.
“What is even more intriguing is that Hon Tetamashimba is on record as supporting the principle of acquiring the hearses and that he would hasten to deliver these vehicles to all the councils. It is clear therefore that both Hon Masebo and Hon Tetamashimba are seemingly of one mind on the need to procure hearses.
"What seems to be the point of departure among these erstwhile colleagues, from our reading of the situation, is firstly the amount paid for each of the hearses - is it US$9,300 or is it US$29,000. Secondly, the mode is which payments were affected - was this done in a manner that provides rent seeking opportunities in terms of corruption?”
He said from their perspective, both Masebo and Tetamashimba took part in the procurement of the 100 hearses.
"What this means to Transparency International Zambia is that both Hon Masebo and Hon Tetamashimba have had a role to play in the procurement of the 100 hearses and it is necessary therefore that the Anti Corruption Commission in their investigations clearly establish the role that both of these Honourable Members played in this saga," he said.
He said it was also necessary for Tetamashimba to explain to the public the whole procurement process followed for the hearses.
"Such as, was there an open or selective tender for the purchase of these vehicles? How many companies submitted bids? What was the result of the evaluation of the bids received and what role did the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) as it was known then - play in this whole process? Further, did the Ministry of Local Government and Housing do any due diligence of the winning bidder to ascertain their credibility and track record?" Lifuka said.
“It has been brought to our attention that Top Motors Ltd were awarded a contract for supply and delivery of 100 hearses at a tender sum of USD2,920,000 meaning that each Hearse cost USD29,200, and between December 2008 and May 2009, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing paid a total of over K14.9 billion for these hearses."
He said the question to be asked was where the figure of US $9,300 was coming from.
"We believe the explanation should come from both Hon Masebo and Hon Tetamashimba - should we as Zambians assume that the bid from Top Motors Ltd was inflated and in actual fact the unit cost should have been US $9,300 and not US $29,000? If this is the case or even a possibility, ACC and the Drug Enforcement Commission should thoroughly investigate Top Motors Ltd for possible money laundering activities as well," Lifuka explained.
"And it is in everyone's interest to know who benefited from the difference? Could it also be a question of Top Motors Ltd deliberately declaring a lower unit cost for the purpose of paying lower duty and other taxes to Zambia Revenue Authority? We want to urge that all suspects - whether individuals or organizations involved in this saga should be thoroughly investigated and culprits brought to book."
Lifuka urged the office of the Auditor General to be actively involved in the matter.
"Especially, the manner in which payments to Top Motors Limited were executed - did these follow standard procedures or was quick payment facilitated in order to benefit some people within the Ministry? Did Top Motors Ltd meet all the necessary obligations before receiving their payments or were some standard rules of procedures ignored for due to personal interests i.e. did Top Motors provide a valid bank guarantee for all the payments received?" said Lifuka.
"Another critical question that begs an answer is why was Top Motors Ltd paid US $2,900,000 in a period of 7 days (in late December 2008 and early 2009) - is this the way government handles payments to suppliers - even before full delivery of the vehicles?
The significance of this saga should not be lost on the Zambian people because it is clear that again, another Ministry and now Ministry of Local Government and Housing, albeit with the full involvement of the Zambia National Tender Board, did commit the Zambian government to another controversial contract of over US $2.9 million in the last quarter of 2008."
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, CORRUPTION, REUBEN LIFUKA, RUEBEN LIFUKA, SYLVIA MASEBO
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Rupiah, dora havea special bond – HH
Written by George Chellah, Margaret Habbuno and Patson Chilemba
Sunday, June 21, 2009 3:26:08 PM
UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema yesterday said it is clear that there is a special bond between President Rupiah Banda and education minister Dora Siliya. And Mission Press director Fr Miha Drevensek said the re-appointment of Siliya to Cabinet is a mockery to the justice of the country.
Meanwhile, chief Chikwanda of the Bemba people of Mpika district charged that President Banda's re-appointment of Siliya is not normal and straightforward.
Reacting to chief government spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha's challenge to him to prove his statement that President Banda and Siliya were inseparable following her recent appointment, Hichilema said President Banda likes Siliya so much more than the 12 million Zambians.
"It's clear that the President will always protect Dora. He came out to protect
Dora so much against public interest. He went ahead to defend her. It's clear that there is a special bondage between the President and Dora. What I mean is it's either Dora is a relative or she is involved in the shoddy deals in government so there is a special bondage. How can you appoint somebody within hours after the judgment?" Hichilema asked.
"What is so special about Dora that the public will cry that she is wrong and he goes ahead to protect her? Is Dora the only person who is fit to be minister? Shikapwasha's understanding is so raw so he can't follow debate easily."
Hichilema said Siliya had no moral and sane right to return to Cabinet.
"Dora is embarrassing herself and the people of Zambia. Whatever [High Court] judge [Phillip] Musonda said, the facts remain that she was wrong. Zambians will have the last laugh on this issue of Dora because they are bright and Dora and Rupiah will regret this action. Rupiah has slapped Zambians in the face by re-appointing Dora," Hichilema said. "The decision to re-appoint Dora is pure poor judgment and vested interest in the whole RP Capital Partners deal."
On revelations that most documents linked to the corruption scam at the Ministry of Health had gone missing, Hichilema said the ruling MMD and government officials involved in the K27 billion scam had destroyed evidence to kill the audit trail and exonerate themselves.
Hichilema described the revelation by Auditor General Anna Chifungula that the forensic audit at the Ministry of Health had delayed because most of the documents were missing as unfortunate.
"But it's not surprising. The question one should ask themselves is why are they hiding documents? It's because the scam is bigger than we think it is. The stealing is much larger or it's colossal than what has been reported. There is a lot more money missing than what has been reported," Hichilema said.
"The people involved know that things are catching up with them. They are hiding and destroying evidence so that the full extent of the stealing is not known. This confirms what we have been saying that the figure is much higher."
He said like every other scam the 'big fish' involved were the corrupt MMD politicians and government officials.
"They would deliberately find delaying tactics so that the trail is killed or covered up, so that they hide and they don't get discovered and eventually they continue stealing. There are people trying to cover up the trail and the amount of money is colossal so they want to conceal the evidence," Hichilema said.
"The big fish is the MMD politician so they are covering up the trail. They are urging the people in the ministry to destroy the documents so that they exonerate themselves. I have confidence in madam Chifungula and her team but her job will be made difficult by this systematic manipulation."
Hichilema said a responsible government should have acted quickly and earlier.
"They should have done more work to seal the loopholes. We have been vindicated, our figures have not been wrong but Shikapwasha has been arguing. Now what can this government do? Their capacity to do a good job has been impaired. They are the culprits so they would do everything to cover up," Hichilema said.
"Zambians are tired of this corrupt regime. They are busy talking about Rupiah Banda for 2011 and yet the chap has not even performed. MMD is on its way out."
And Fr Miha said the re-appointment of Siliya was a clear indication of something that was going on in the government adding that people needed an explanation.
"There is something fishy going on in the government that they need to explain to the nation. The people in government are so corrupt. What is so special about Siliya from these other ministers that we have in the country that she should be re-appointed even when the people of Zambia do not need her services?" he asked.
Fr Miha said the people who advised the President should endeavour to give him advice that would be beneficial to the country.
"Condoning corruption in the country will not help in the attainment of social and economic development. The judicial system should be independent. In this country there is a lot of government interference," Fr Miha said.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka said President Banda was slowly becoming an island because he were not moved by public opinion.
Lifuka said it was sad that President Banda had never told the Zambian people about the findings of the judge Dennis Chirwa-chaired tribunal which found Siliya to have breached the Constitution when she engaged RP Capital Partners to valuate Zamtel assets before partial privatisation.
"The President has not told the Zambian people what his analysis was on the tribunal that was set up. All he did was to tell the nation that he welcomed Siliya's resignation which is unfortunate. He should have explained to the nation what his findings as a President were on the tribunal as it had comprised a lot of issues," Lifuka said.
He wondered how the President expected Siliya to work with people who were annoyed with her.
"President Rupiah Banda is slowly becoming an island because he is not moved by the public opinion. He is forgetting that the people are the ones who will decide on whether he should continue ruling them," Lifuka said. "The judicial system in our country has failed and needs to redeem itself."
Patriotic Front (PF) youth wing national secretary Eric Chanda said President Banda had insulted the teachers, students and the MMD leadership.
Chanda said the re-appointing of Siliya as education minister was sad.
"It is not a hidden fact that Dora Siliya is arrogant and a failure who cannot manage university and college students, teachers and lecturers. She has got no agenda," Chanda said.
Meanwhile, chief Chikwanda charged that it appeared that the President re-appointed Siliya even before she was cleared by High Court judge Musonda.
He said President Banda's mind was already made up, and whichever way the case went, Siliya would still have been appointed minister.
"It is like he appointed her in advance, which is not good. He should have waited, 'is what Siliya is being alleged for true'? He wasn't supposed to do that [reappointing Siliya]. He was supposed to listen to people's views," chief Chikwanda said. "Is that how we are going about to be doing things? That is not straightforward."
President Banda appointed Siliya as education minister after judge Musonda cleared her of breaching the Constitution as found by the tribunal in the RP Capital Partners deal.
Earlier when some PF leaders paid a courtesy call on him, chief Chikwanda said President Banda's government had started to strategise on how to steal votes by starting the mobile registration of national registration cards (NRCs) in areas perceived to be the President's strongholds.
He said logic demanded that registration be commenced in areas with larger populations.
Chief Chikwanda said President Banda's government was cruel.
"Nibumambala sana sanafye [it is crookedness of the highest order]. The way of stealing," chief Chikwanda said of the ongoing mobile registration of NRCs. "They should have at least started the exercise in all the parts of the country."
Recently, home affairs minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa announced that the government would commence with the mobile registration of NRCs in North Western, Western and Eastern provinces.
Chief Chikwanda said he had failed to travel to Ndola for a due hernia operation because of the ongoing strikes by health workers.
Labels: CHIEF CHIKWANDA, CORRUPTION, DORA SILIYA, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, MIHA DREVENSEK, RUEBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Miti’s plea is a corrupt act - TIZ
Written by George Chellah
Saturday, June 13, 2009 4:09:26 PM
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka has described former Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr Simon Miti’s plea to President Rupiah Banda as a corrupt act. And Lifuka has strongly advised President Banda to be quite careful in such matters as his name may easily be brought into disrepute if he starts meddling in such investigations.
Reacting to Dr Miti's letter to President Banda over the K10 billion scam at the Ministry of Health, Lifuka said TIZ has noted with great dismay, the levels of patronage exhibited by Dr Miti in his letter to the President pleading for leniency.
"The tone of the letter fails to inspire confidence that the intentions of Dr Miti are noble. It would seem that the letter is intended to solicit for forgiveness from the Republican President," Lifuka said.
"While the concept of forgiveness cannot be frowned upon, we clearly see this as a corrupt act itself intended to induce President Banda to act in a particular manner."
Lifuka said his organisation's position was that Dr Miti's letter to President Banda was misdirected.
"It is misdirected in the sense that the President is not an investigator. What Dr Miti should do is to wait for an appropriate time to give the investigating agencies all the required answers on his side of the story, which we are sure, will be accorded to him if this has not yet been done. We respect his views whether right or wrong but they should be directed to an appropriate authority at a right time," Lifuka said.
"The mention of family linkages smacks of crass patronage and in a way shows the low levels that senior government officers have reached to simply maintain their jobs or win favours from the appointing authority. It is this type of patronage, which has made professionals and technocrats serving as permanent secretaries or senior government officials from exercising independent judgment in the discharge of their duties."
Lifuka said the leadership itself had partly created the environment of patronage.
"TIZ would like to urge President Banda not to be swayed by the letter from Dr Miti. President Banda committed himself to allow the investigations into scandals at the Ministry of Health to proceed without interference and he should dismiss the act of patronage from Dr Miti with the contempt it deserves. We find it unfortunate that Dr Miti wants to utilise his family circumstances to dig himself out of a hole," Lifuka said.
"Dr Miti should take responsibility of his actions and he should not rush to seek a solution outside the ongoing investigation process. He should allow the due process to be followed and if necessary he will have his day in court to clear his name."
Lifuka said the-behind-the-scenes manoeuvres were inappropriate and should be roundly condemned.
"This kind of approach may somehow jeopardise investigations especially now that there are reports that this matter was even accorded an opportunity by high offices to be considered. This is normally a negative effect on requests for sympathy," Lifuka said.
"We strongly advise the Republican President Mr Rupiah Banda to be quite careful in such matters as his name may easily be brought into disrepute if he starts meddling in such investigations. As we know that law enforcement agencies have in the recent past found it difficult to investigate cases where the President has publicly supported officials that are accused of abuse of office."
He said TIZ considers the happenings today where numerous cases of corruption, fraud and gross abuse of authority are being reported to be 'a sign of the times.'
"We want to be clear that some of the corruption occurred in the Mwanawasa era but unfortunately President Rupiah Banda's government are the ones in office today and need to resolve these issues. They cannot simply abdicate their role," said Lifuka.
Labels: RUEBEN LIFUKA, SIMON MITI, TIZ
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Corruption has worsened in Rupiah’s govt – Hakainde
Written by Chibaula Silwamba and Masuzyo Chakwe
Saturday, May 16, 2009 1:52:35 AM
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday said he misses late Levy Mwanawasa because corruption has worsened in President Rupiah Banda's government. And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Rueben Lifuka has observed that political will to fight corruption in President Banda's administration is not as strong as it used to be with president Mwanawasa.
Addressing a press briefing in Lusaka, Hichilema said the MMD was inherently and endemically corrupt.
"All these changes to the public procurement Act were purely to camouflage, the intention was ultimately that will allow them to procure government [goods and services] in a corrupt manner," Hichilema said.
"If you allow a government in your country during daylight to make such changes and you are quiet, then you are an accomplice to corruption. That is why you have seen the perpetuation of scandals. I think as an opposition leader I used to criticise Levy Mwanawasa; I miss Levy Mwanawasa as I stand here today. Corruption has worsened and it has become institutionalised through various forms."
Hichilema charged that the MMD government changed the public procurement Act in preparation to run a corrupt government.
He explained that the draft public procurement bill, which was agreed upon by all stakeholders had safeguard measures to prevent corruption but the government last year changed it.
"They decided amongst the things they wanted to do; I want to show you how this government crafts a change and sometimes goes to Parliament using the arrogance of numbers to pass an Act preparing for corrupt activities. They decided to change the governing board; stakeholders had said they would want a board of nine and a third of the board members coming from the private sector - independent citizens of different professions," Hichilema said.
"The MMD decided to increase the number phenomenon and brought about a governing board consisting of the minister of finance as chairperson, four ministers appointed by the President, one of whom shall be the vice board chairperson, preparing to run a corrupt government. Only two people from the private sector and the rest are from within the government. It's a huge mistake and it went through."
Hichilema urged members of parliament to repeal the public procurement Act of 2008 and replace it with one, which would uphold acceptable standards and principles of public procurement.
Hichilema cited the RP Capital and Zamtel saga in which former communications and transport minister Dora Siliya was involved as one of cases of bad procurement process.
"It was done because of corruption; it was because of an intention to get a cut that is why it was done. I ask Dora Siliya, I ask the Vice-President [George] Kunda who protected Dora Siliya and President Rupiah Banda to pay back the US $ 2 million that they authorized the RP Capital deal," Hichilema said.
On the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) maize, Hichilema said President Rupiah Banda suggested that Zambians reconsider GMO food because of his relatives who were involved in the deal.
"[The late president] Levy Mwanawasa and the country had agreed that we are not ready to consume GMO maize for health reasons and when this matter came, who answered to support GMO maize? It is the President [Banda]. The President said let us review the consumption of GMO maize when the maize was already in the country and he went to suggest that can we create milling companies at the borders so that we can mill the maize at the borders," Hichilema said.
"That is why I said the President comments on maters where he has personal interests and possible gain."
He also said politicians in the government had no moral right to stop corruption because they were corrupt themselves.
"Reported theft of public funds in the Ministry of Health, yesterday's Post. Thefts of public funds are becoming a daily occurrence because the civil servants are seeing what the politicians are doing at the top," Hichilema said. "The politicians have no moral right to tell civil servants not to steal because the politicians are the ones perpetuating corruption. "
And responding to a question on the fight against corruption in President Banda's administration during a press briefing on the Anti- Corruption Commission's (ACC) uncovering of a K10 billion scam involving senior Ministry of Health officials yesterday, Lifuka asked President Banda to provide political leadership in the fight against corruption.
"To some extent we have seen that it is not as strong as it used to be with the late president Levy Mwanwasa and we strongly believe President Banda has an occasion in the next three years in his leadership to essentially lead the fight against corruption and ensure that the corrupt activities being reported are dealt with correctly," Lifuka said.
"I think there are occasions for him to start, one of them being active response to what is being raised by the Auditor General. We want to see him and his administration respond to cases raised in the Auditor General's report with timely action and ensure that those that are found wanting are not allowed to continue to the public sector."
He urged President Banda to equally deal with the situation where people were giving themselves loans through unretired imprest.
Lifuka said President Banda needed to develop that discipline or inculcate the sense of discipline in the public sector.
He said President Banda was in an advantageous situation to lead the fight against corruption by using his presidency and people would be able to judge him by the stance that he would take at the end of his term of office.
Lifuka said TIZ greatly appreciated the timely action by the ACC in unearthing a scam involving over K10 billion in which officials in the ministries of health and local government were implicated.
He said the scam was symptomatic of how entrenched corruption had become in the fabric of society.
"If ever Zambia needed evidence that corruption has become systemic and endemic, the reported scam should serve as a vivid reminder. The callousness and recklessness exhibited in this scam is shocking as it is worrying," he said.
Lifuka said the mandate of the Ministry of Health was such an important one particularly that this involves saving human lives - people in desperate situations and yearning for treatment or medical help of one kind or another.
He said it was amazing and unwarranted how some public officials entrusted with the affairs of the nation embezzle even the little public resources available for national development.
Lifuka called on the ACC to thoroughly investigate this issue and ensure that it succeeds in the courts of law.
He said the culture of impunity among some public servants was worrisome, as it would seem as if some public servants had allowed the greediness of heart to steal from the poor people - some of whom were relatives of these same unscrupulous people.
Lifuka said additionally, it came as a surprise that such acts took place without the detection by senior officials like the controlling officer in the Ministry of Health.
"The sums involved are too big to go unnoticed and this clearly points to weaknesses in internal controls. The question that needs to be asked is how much more has been stolen, not just in the Ministry of Health but possibly other ministries and government agencies? It is frustrating to note that only this week, the government proudly announced the release of significant amounts of resources from the cooperating partners and yet we continue to witness scams of this magnitude which indicate that as a people, we are doing little to guard jealously public resources,' he said.
He said it seems the Auditor General's reports had little effect in curbing incidences of embezzlement of public resources and it was time that the government in particular asked itself tough questions on this inglorious state of affairs.
Lifuka said the government should not shield alleged plunderers and corrupt persons by simply moving them from one ministry to the next, as these had no place in the public sector.
"There should also be no selective approach of creating sacred cows in this fight. The rate of exposure of corrupt dealings and activities in the public sector is gradually reaching alarming proportions and it is time that the leadership did something about this," he said.
He said corruption would not be fought through mere public pronouncements and political rhetoric.
Lifuka said corruption required a firm approach.
"Any person alleged to have obtained even a one ngwee which belongs to the public, should feel the full weight of the law. We want to remind not only the government led by President Rupiah Banda but the church, the NGOs, trade unions, media, political parties, farmers, private sector, students and every Zambian - young or old - to join and help deal with this cancer - which is insidiously eating away the future of this nation," he said.
He said as TIZ, they considered the move by ACC to uncover K10 billion scam to be important and threw a challenge to the general public to remain alert and vigilant and report all suspected acts of corruption to the relevant authorities.
Lifuka said TIZ wanted to believe that this K10 billion scam involving officials from the Ministry of Health could be one of the many financial scams involving public officials holding different portfolios in government.
"Therefore, we challenge the ACC to do more to probe further in the operations of various ministries in government to ensure transparency and accountability. We also challenge President Rupiah Banda to institute a forensic audit of not only the Ministry of Health but also all other ministries that are corruption -prone," he said "His predecessor - the late president Mwanawasa did at one point take pragmatic action which included the closure of the Ministry of Lands to investigate allegations of corruption- we would to urge President Banda to equally take whatever steps necessary to get to the bottom of these scams. The time to act is now. This fight should not have sacred cows."
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono on Wednesday disclosed that the commission had unearthed a corruption scam in which over K10 billion government funds suspected to have been corruptly obtained from the Ministry of Health.
Labels: CORRUPTION, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, RUEBEN LIFUKA
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‘Smart’ Dora finally goes
Written by Patson Chilemba and George Chellah
Wednesday, April 22, 2009 6:17:25 PM
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata yesterday said it is not enough for Dora Siliya to resign from Cabinet but she should go a step further by resigning as member of parliament.
And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka challenged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take interest in the tribunal's findings on Siliya.
Commenting on Siliya's resignation from her position as communications and transport minister, Sata said Siliya took oath of office to defend the Republican Constitution both as Cabinet minister and member of parliament and that she could not continue being a parliamentarian because her morality had been brought into serious question.
"She has not only breached the Constitution as Cabinet minister but also as member of parliament, so she must go," he said.
Sata called for President Rupiah Banda and Vice-President George Kunda to apologise to the nation and resign for having defended Siliya's wrongdoing.
"She has resigned. The next person who should resign is Rupiah Banda and George Kunda. They should follow suit. Let them resign on moral grounds," he said.
Sata said it was sad that Siliya piled insults and told lies against those who called for her resignation but that now she had succumbed to the truth.
He said President Banda recklessly used taxpayers money to set up a tribunal when he could have served time and money by relieving Siliya of her duties.
"Rupiah Banda was saying she [Siliya] is smarter than all of us. Kunda was saying she was right. For us to forgive her, she must open up because she was not alone when she was committing the wrong. She must tell the people everything, otherwise she will remain with the stigma," Sata said.
"Tell Rupiah Banda and George Kunda that forcing Dora to resign does not let them off the hook. She has been forced by the people to resign. If she had morality of resigning, she would not have hired those expensive lawyers. She has been used as a sacrificial lamb by Rupiah and others who are hiding their wrongdoing."
Sata said President Banda was already embarrassed and there was no need to keep more embarrassed people in the government.
Sata said Vice-President Kunda was an embarrassment because he had consistently used his position as justice minister to mislead the government and the nation.
Sata said since President Banda had campaigned on the basis of continuation of late president Levy Mwanawasa's programmes, he should as well allow the rule of the law to prevail and not that of men.
Sata asked President Banda to show seriousness and respect for the Constitution by doing what was expected of him by majority Zambians.
And TIZ executive director Goodwell Lungu welcomed Siliya's resignation, saying Zambian leaders should resign when they engaged in wrongdoing. Lungu said it was TIZ's hope that Vice-President Kunda would announce his resignation in a few days time.
He asked the law enforcement agencies to take corrective measures by following up on the many irregularities that were established against Siliya by the tribunal.
"Ourselves as civil society we have done our part, so we expect the law enforcement agencies to do their part, and we thank The Post for highlighting the matter. Without The Post a lot of things could have been hidden under the carpet. As civil society we shall continue co-operating with The Post," Lungu said.
Zambia Youth Association in the Fight Against Corruption executive director Rickson Kanema asked Siliya to resign as member of parliament because her integrity had been brought into question.
Kanema said young people had learnt a lot of things from the Siliya saga.
Earlier, Lifuka said the law enforcement agencies needed to look at the tribunal's findings on Siliya with interest.
"Now that the findings are out, we expect that every law enforcement agency will take interest in this case. If corrupt activities have been noted and are prevalent in this whole saga, we challenge the Anti-Corruption Commission and all the other law enforcement agencies connected to this matter to take interest. And we will definitely pursue them. This is something that we want to continue to raise with the ACC," Lifuka said.
Caritas Zambia executive director Samuel Mulafulafu urged the law enforcement agencies to be proactive and proceed with investigations on Siliya.
"This case was in public domain. I don't think there is any investigation agency... responsible department that has not been updated on what has been happening over this case. It was well reported according to the role of the media played," Mulafulafu said. "Why should the investigating agencies wait for us to shove this case on their throat when they are able to read and get information? They should be proactive. This information is with them, if they have to wait for us to go and make a case then they are incompetent. The information is there for them they should proceed."
The judge Chirwa tribunal found that Siliya, apart from not following tender procedures when she selected RP Capital Partners Limited to valuate the assets of Zamtel, also breached Article 54 Sub Article 3 of the Constitution for not following legal advice from the Attorney General.
Siliya was also being probed for abuse of office for cancelling a tender awarded to Thales Air Systems for the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of a Zambia Air Traffic Management Surveillance Radar System (ZATM-RADAR) at Lusaka and Livingstone international airports. She was also alleged to have defrauded Petauke District Council over her claim of a refund of K12.5 million for two hand pumps for two boreholes that were sunk in Nyika ward when the actual cost of the pumps was K5 million. However, the tribunal did not find Siliya wanting on both allegations.
Labels: ACC, DORA SILIYA, GOODWELL LUNGU, PRIVATISATION, RESIGNATIONS, RUEBEN LIFUKA, SATA, THE POST, TIZ
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Civil society demand Kunda’s removal for supporting Dora
Written by George Chellah
Monday, April 20, 2009 4:48:14 AM
CIVIL society organisations (CSOs) yesterday demanded that President Rupiah Banda immediately fire Vice-President George Kunda for misleading the nation by supporting and justifying communications minister Dora Siliya's unconstitutional and unlawful conduct. And the CSOs have demanded that Siliya be fired for breaching the Constitution.
During a press briefing at Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) head office, TIZ president Reuben Lifuka, who presented the statement on behalf of all CSOs that petitioned the Chief Justice to constitute a tribunal to probe Siliya, said the tribunal's findings that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between RP Capital Partners and the Zambian government was not approved and Siliya breached the Constitution invokes the complainants to make a critical observation on the conduct of the Vice-President.
"The breach of the constitution in the matter of RP Capital is not limited to Honourable Siliya but extends to Honourable Kunda, who clearly is in a unique position firstly as Republican Vice-President, secondly as Minister of Justice, thirdly as a former Attorney General and finally as a senior lawyer. Honourable Kunda misled the nation and for reasons known to himself, he defended the breaches of the law and Constitution," Lifuka said.
He said the complainants, including former communications minister William Harrington, observed with regret and displeasure the conduct of Vice-President Kunda over the handling of the RP Capital MoU.
"In so doing, we want to quote his official statement to the nation in defence of Honourable Siliya on 17 February 2009. We contrast his statements on this issue with the findings of the tribunal. The Vice-President stated the following: 'the MoU was finally signed on 22nd December, 2008 by all the parties. Thus at the time of signing the MoU, the Solicitor General had cleared and approved the MoU which had taken into account comments of the Solicitor General. For all intents and purposes, the Solicitor general was acting on behalf of the Attorney General'," Lifuka said. "However the tribunal's findings are at variance with this position and they state that 'On the 22nd December, 2008, Honourable Dora Siliya went ahead to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which was not substantially the same as the draft which the Solicitor General had cleared for signing, in that in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on the 22nd December, 2008 there was introduced a new element regarding the financial implications. There was now inserted a base floor sum of US$ 2 million. This was not contained in the final draft which the Solicitor General approved."
Lifuka said Vice-President Kunda in his statement further concluded that: "for all intents and purposes, the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Minister of Communication and Transport was approved by the Solicitor General."
He said the complainants demanded that President Banda relieve Siliya of her ministerial position for breaching various laws and more seriously the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, which she swore to uphold and defend.
"We call upon the Speaker of the National Assembly to equally institute appropriate action against Honourable Siliya as a Member of Parliament and Minister, for misleading the House in her ministerial statement of 13 February 2009 in relation to the MoU with RP Capital Partners of Cayman Islands," Lifuka said. " The Republican President should immediately relieve His Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Justice - Mr George Kunda of his duties for misleading the nation by supporting and justifying Honourable Siliya's unconstitutional and unlawful conduct as being within the law when in fact not. We call upon the Office of the Auditor General to audit the Petauke District Council accounts, to determine the abuse or misuse of public funds especially in light of the tribunal findings of laxity in handling of financial matters. It is our contention that the laxity identified by the tribunal in the way Petauke District Council manages its finances, should not be ignored. Such an operating environment is a conducive one for mismanagement, misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds.
"We finally demand without any compromise that all the costs accrued and payable to RP Capital Partners be met by Honourable Dora Siliya herself because she personally committed the government illegally and unconstitutionally. We shall not allow Zambian taxpayers who are already overburdened to bear the unconstitutional costs brought about by her misconduct, which is not even provided for in the national budget This costs include amounts of US$50,000, reimbursables, US$2 million base floor sum and the five per cent of the realization amount in the event that Zamtel is sold. Additionally, we demand that Parliament should not consider any supplementary estimates that may be presented by government, considering that these costs are not provided for in the 2009 Budget."
Lifuka called upon the government to urgently bring to the National Assembly amendments to the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct Act.
"With a view to strengthening it by broadening the definition of misconduct in Section 4 to include breach of any written law and most importantly the Republican Constitution; and any other weaknesses which were apparent in the manner that this justice [Dennis] Chirwa led tribunal conducted its proceedings," he said.
Lifuka said there were eight key findings of fact that the complainants had picked out of the report of the tribunal, establishing that Siliya breached various laws, Cabinet Handbook and the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.
"One, usurping of the Powers of the Zambia Development Agency. At page 42 and 43, the tribunal states the following: 'the advice of the Attorney General of the 5th January, 2009 was that the first Memorandum of Understanding be treated as a nullity and be re-done. His advice was not that a second Memorandum of Understanding concerning the role of the Zambia Development Agency be signed. Further, the role spelt out for the Zambia Development Agency in the second Memorandum of Understanding is merely that of providing supervision over RP Capital Partners Limited. Therefore, the second memorandum did not address the chief concerns raised by the Attorney-General. At this juncture we note that the provisions of the Zambia Development Agency Act, No. 11 of 2008 do not give powers to a minister to do what Honourable Dora Siliya did. The action she took unlawfully usurped the powers of the Zambia Development Agency'," Lifuka said. "Two, unlawful signing of the MoU. At page 43 the tribunal states: 'we further note that the Attorney-General had indicated in his letter of the 5th of January, 2009 that since the Memorandum of Understanding related to the privatization of a parastatal company, it should have been signed by the Minister of Finance and not Honourable Dora Siliya. Indeed under Section 44 of the Zambia Development Agency, Act No. 11 of 2008, the minister responsible for finance is the authority empowered to sign the sales agreement to transfer shares or assets to the selected bidder. Therefore we agree with the Attorney-General that the Memorandum of Understanding which was the preliminary stage leading to the final sale and transfer of the assets of ZAMTEL should have been signed by the Minister of Finance. That aspect of the Attorney-General's letter of the 5th January 2009 was not addressed'.
"Three, usurping the Powers of Cabinet. The tribunal makes a cardinal finding reflected on Page 44 where it states as follows: 'the effect of the Memorandum of Understanding executed on the 22nd December, 2008 is that it is now binding on the government and is not contingent upon Cabinet approval of the sale of ZAMTEL. As we understand the regulations put before us the sale of a parastatal company must be sanctioned by the Cabinet. However, the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by Honourable Dora Siliya has usurped the powers of the Cabinet because whether Cabinet approves the sale of Zamtel or not, RP Capital Partners Limited will still claim their money'."
In the fourth finding, Lifuka said the Zambian government was committed to US$2 million without tender approval from the Zambia Public Procurement Authority.
"At page 45 and 46, the tribunal in their report categorically states that, 'in the first instance it is clear that once a decision to sell ZAMTEL has been made by Cabinet, the government will not be allowed to commence any tender process. Instead the government is now bound by the Memorandum of Understanding to allow R.P Capital Partners to proceed to provide consultancy services leading to the sale of ZAMTEL and bound to pay at least a sum of US$ Two Million. This commitment is traced to the Ministry which signed the Memorandum of Understanding allowing RP Capital Partners Limited to provide consultancy services for the sale of ZAMTEL and be paid US$ Two Million without the Zambia Public Procurement Authority. Quiet clearly the sum of US$ Two Million is beyond the Ministry's threshold. Therefore, Honourable Dora Siliya signed a Memorandum of Understanding which committed government to a sum of money beyond her Ministry threshold without approval of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority'," Lifuka said. "Five, abrogating the Public Procurement Act on Limited Selection. The tribunal in their report, on page 47 states the following, 'it is clear that the manner in which RP Capital Partners were selected was against the provisions of the Public Procurement Act. The evidence clearly shows that RP Capital Partners went to the Ministry through the Honourable Dora Siliya. Therefore the omission must squarely be put on the shoulders of the Honourable Dora Siliya. Therefore we find that the Minister of Communications and Transport did not follow the requisite tender process in the selection of RP Capital Partners Limited. It is not the law that the 'limited selection' occurs when a supplier of goods and services presents a different proposal from others'.
"Six, deception on Inserting US$2,000,000 in the MoU. At page 41, the tribunal makes the following observation, 'on the 22nd December, 2008, Honourable Dora Siliya went ahead to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which was not substantially the same as the draft which the Solicitor General had cleared for signing in that in the Memorandum of Understanding signed on the 22nd December, 2008 there was introduced a new element regarding the financial implications. There was now inserted a base floor sum of US$ Two Million. This was not contained in the final draft which the Solicitor-General approved. In the circumstances, Honourable Dora Siliya cannot plead that she was following the advice of the Solicitor-General in its entirety'."
Lifuka said the seventh finding concerned Siliya's irregular involvement in procurement of the radar system.
"On this issue, we note that while the tribunal found this allegation was not proved, they raised important points on page 59 and 60 by stating that, 'it is clear that there was no contract that was cancelled by Honourable Dora Siliya. Even her attempt to suspend the tender process was not successful. The allegation is not attempting to cancel the contract but that she cancelled the contract. Reference was made by Counsel for the Consortium of Civil Societies to Section 75 of Public Procurement Act, which creates an offence. But a commission of that offence does not amount to breach under Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act in its present form. If the Civil Societies wanted to complain against the breach of the section, the complaint should have been directed to the appropriate authority to investigate. However we do agree that the manner of Honourable Dora Siliya's involvement in the issue of radar tender is against the guidelines in the Cabinet Handbook especially clauses 8. 2. and 8. 4'," Lifuka said. "Eight, breach of the Constitution. The tribunal concludes on an important finding at page 106 when they state the following: 'it is a notorious fact that before Ministers assume their responsibilities they take official oath of office to uphold and defend the Constitution of Zambia and the laws of Zambia. Breach of the Constitution is a serious matter. If a sitting President breaches the Constitution he is liable to impeachment under Article 37 of the Constitution. In this case by ignoring the legal advice of the Attorney General, Honourable Dora Siliya breached Article 54 sub Article 3 of the Constitution. The observance of the legal advice of the Attorney General is also clearly spelt in Chapter 8 Paragraph 8.13 of the Cabinet Hand Book. We are not idle to think that Honourable Dora Siliya is not acquainted with Constitutional provisions and the provisions of the Cabinet Hand Book."
Lifuka said the findings of the Tribunal should serve as a timely warning to all ministers and government officials in the discharge of their functions.
"We wish to remind all those ministers or government officials engaged in similar breaches of the laws, the cabinet handbook and the Constitution, to take careful notice of these findings," he said.
"We will do everything possible within legal means and all other avenues available to ensure that the tribunal's findings are respected," Lifuka said.
The ten civil society organisations include TIZ, Civil Society for Trade Network, Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes, (SACCORD), Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, Citizens Forum, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, Foundation for Democratic Process, Zambian Youths Association in the Fight Against Corruption, Women for Change and Caritas Zambia.
Labels: DORA SILIYA, GEORGE KUNDA, RP CAPITAL PARTNERS, RUEBEN LIFUKA, WILLIAM HARRINGTON
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Senior civil servants must declare assets, says Nkole
Written by Lambwe Kachali
Saturday, January 31, 2009 11:02:45 AM
TASK Force on Corruption executive chairman Max Nkole yesterday said all senior civil servants must declare their assets and liabilities before holding public offices to prevent them from abusing public resources.
And Patriotic Front (PF) spokesperson Given Lubinda said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in its current framework cannot execute its work effectively.
Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka said the fight against corruption was being approached in an ad hoc way.
Featuring on ‘Let the People Talk’ programme on Radio Phoenix yesterday, Nkole said it was worrying that recent reports had continued to reveal that corruption was more rampant in government institutions.
He said there was urgent need to enact a law to compel all senior civil servants to declare their assets and liabilities before holding public office.
Nkole said this would help investigating wings to establish whether such people stole or plundered public money after their tenure of office.
He, however, wondered what Zambian politicians feared to enact such a law when countries like Nigeria and South Africa, among others, had implemented similar pieces of legislation.
“The recent report by the [acting] director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission alluded to the fact that government institutions are the most corrupt and thatís a big indictment. It also pin points the fact that therefore, there is need for us to check the status of these people before they hold public office. And I think I would advocate for a law to be put in place requiring that all senior government civil servants declare their assets,î he said.
Nkole said there was currently no political will in Zambia as far as the fight against corruption was concerned.
He also challenged parliamentarians to tell the nation how they would help fight corruption in the country.
They have a part to play because they are representing the people and the people they represent are the victims of this corruption,î said Nkole.
And Lubinda said unless more funds were allocated to ACC, it would be difficult for the institution to meet expectations of the Zambians in the fight against corruption.
Last time I checked, they [ACC] only had 11 intelligent officers, and 92 investigative officers for the whole country. How do you expect them to be effective? You cannot expect the ACC to go and investigate all those people building mansions,” he said.
He said last year, parliament approved K32 billion for ACC but only K21 billion was released by government, which he said was not enough for the institution to carry out its work effectively.
Lubinda further said although he, together with other members of parliament, attempted to push for the enactment of a law to compel senior government officials declare their assets and liabilities before holding public office, Cabinet ministers opposed the amendment.
“They actually called me nonsensical; they were saying there was nowhere in any democratic society with such laws. Some ministers said this was draconian and my thinking was wacked. As a result of that, my bill collapsed,” said Lubinda. Now, this to me demonstrates that while some members of parliament are committed to come up with laws to fight corruption, there are some people in government who would fight tooth and nail if those laws are not enacted.”
And Lifuka said despite the efforts and money pumped into the fight against corruption, there was no sufficient progress.
He said it was also important to broaden the fight and not focus on a few individuals.
“The late president [Levy Mwanawasa] came into office with the aspect of zero tolerance to corruption, and we all know, he was a disciplinarian in that regard. He wanted to fight corruption. But, can anyone explain to me why in his tenure, there are number of cases, cases in the Auditor Generalís report have increased; are we pouring resources in the right area? Where are we missing the point,” asked Lifuka. “We need to call for revaluation. What is it that we need to do? Are we providing the right leadership? So the challenge is that we need to have a very clear vision, we need to have very clear strategies, strategies that we know can work.
Meanwhile, ACC community awareness officer Festus Chipungu charged that both politicians and the civil society organisations were not doing their part to help curb the scourge.
Chipungu said the civil society was mostly speaking for themselves and not for the people.
“I want to believe that ACC has done its role. The politicians have their role to play but they have not played very well. Let me go to civil society, because these civil society organisations must be the mouthpiece of the public. But you find that civil society in their fight against corruption is much more speaking for themselves than the public. They are much more speaking for the sake of attacking government instead of helping government to solve the problem and as a result there is antagonism between civil society and government and when there is that antagonism, we are not going to find a common solution,” said Chipungu.
“We expect civil society to be more tactical and engage government at round table discussion, and say where do we go, what do we do to reduce corruption?”
Labels: CIVIL SERVANTS, CORRUPTION, GIVEN LUBINDA, MAX NKOLE, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ
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If unchecked, Rupiah will destroy Zambia
Written by Editor
THERE’S nothing which makes people more appreciative of a government than that it should be able to deliver services. The delivery of government services in our country remains dismal. Many times the bureaucracy we encounter is arrogant, aloof, arbitrary and corrupt in its behaviour.
And a huge part of government expenditure in this country is lost to corruption. The Zambian civil service is slow and convoluted. One of the hindrances to doing business here is the inefficient government bureaucracy.
Our civil service is afflicted by politicisation, corruption, inefficiency and imbalances in staffing and even salaries. And for the last 17 years, all the regimes that have governed this country have been coming in with promises or attempts to re-organise or reform the civil service. It is almost a ritual for every incoming president to make new appointments or transfers of top civil servants. They have all made changes, but things have stayed the same. The only thing that has been increasing is the politicisation of the civil service.
We cannot accuse everyone in our civil service of corruption and inefficiency. We have gems and jewels working in various ministries and departments. Most of them do believe in public service. Most of them want to be honest, they do not want to close their eyes to corruption and dishonesty. But they very often do. And the reason for this lies in the politicisation of the civil service.
The entire structure of our civil service is such that our highest career people are all presidential appointees. And the Civil Service Commission has no say when it comes to presidential appointees.
Political appointments short-cut the rules on qualifications, and bypass qualified civil servants who have put in the years. Demoralisation and fear are among the consequences. Faced with a patronage system where who one knows matters more than what one knows, people in government learn to be quiet, to be timid, to be politic. The prevailing attitude in the civil service seems to be: never mind if you are wrong as long as you don’t step on anybody’s toes, not the president’s, not the minister’s, not even the first lady’s.
The reason why Zambians are unhappy with their civil service is its inefficiency. And there will be no incentive to improve so long as civil servants see their leaders relying on patronage. What they would need instead is incentive to perform well.
There is a lack of real political leadership. Instead of indicating long-term directions, those in charge make demands to undertake shortsighted and short-term projects that must carry the name of the new president and help him to politically survive.
We urge the citizens of this country to speak out. We should learn to assert our rights, we are our own worst enemy.
Inefficiency and corruption have long plagued the Zambian civil service, but they might soon be overshadowed by Rupiah Banda’s unbridled nepotism and patronage.
Rupiah has appointed an unprecedented number of ineligible people to the civil and public service. He has apparently thrown prudence to the wind, giving government jobs to undeserving, unqualified, incompetent individuals and to people who campaigned for him, MMD cadres, his relatives and friends from outside the civil or public service.
Some of the people appointed by Rupiah are unqualified and lack the educational skills, training, background, civil service eligibility and professional experience for their positions.
Rupiah’s appointments not only demoralise and politicise the civil service, they also lead to de-professionalisation. When the career bureaucracy no longer has merit and fitness as its basis because it is politics in command, we will never have a professional civil service.
Rupiah has taken patronage to a very high degree. And because of this, we are today having more political appointees in our civil and public service more than we need. But this, costs a lot of money because each one of these appointees has a staff, an office and huge benefits which have electrical costs.
There is need for Rupiah to be forced to uphold the independence of the civil service from the government of the day and to recognise that the civil service is not just a machine – it is an important component of the entire system of our country’s governance.
We have to stand up for the civil service and oppose Rupiah’s proclivity for political appointments. As a constitutional body, the civil service is supposed to be independent of the government of the day, of the ruling party and serve the nation and all its people.
The key to improving the performance of the government is a strong civil service, and the prospects of that, with Rupiah as President – with his nepotism – are zero.
It is now seen as axiomatic that the civil service should be politically impartial. This is so because politicisation substitutes political criteria for merit-based criteria in the selection, retention, promotion, reward and disciplining of members of the civil service.
Patronage means that civil servants are not appointed on merit and have no incentive to work hard. Patronage appointments do not only favour the incumbent party or president in power, but they also discourage rank and file members of the civil service.
An impartial civil service, in a multiparty political system like ours, should not be seen as an end in itself but as a necessary condition of ensuring that the state has the civil service it needs to function properly.
For this to be realised, there is need for us to secure an efficient body of civil servants occupying a position duly subservient to ministers who are directly responsible to the President and to Parliament, yet possessing sufficient independence, character and ability to be able to advise, assist, and to some extent, influence, those who are from time to time set over them.
If Zambians are not careful, Rupiah will totally destroy this country with his nepotism and unbridled desire for personal political survival and perpetuation. Rupiah doesn’t seem to be motivated by any desire of public service in what he does but by personal ambition and aggrandisement. Such a president is not only of little value to the country but is a danger to the nation.
Through the use of deception, an attempt is being made to create conditions for permitting Rupiah’s political perpetuation, a straitjacket, an apparatus for serving personal ends.
We know that there are those who seek to enjoy the benefits of being in government, in power without contributing anything, or setting things up so as to contribute as little as possible, to the common good.
It requires little intelligence – if a little is all one has – to realise that application of such a policy destroys the apparatus of our civil service.
Let dignity and decorum, courage and manliness, spirit and honesty take the floor. Let criticism of defects be a constant and be directed at all alike.
There is need for Rupiah to be made to realise that the exercise of power must be the constant practice of self-limitation and modesty.
There is need for real political leadership if this country has to move forward. Greed, vanity, selfishness, pettiness, shortsightedness on the part of Rupiah will destroy Zambia and must be stopped at all costs. If unchecked, Rupiah will destroy this country.
Labels: CIVIL SERVANTS, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, NEPOTISM, RUEBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ
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TIZ advises Rupiah against nepotism
Written by Mutuna Chanda in Kitwe and Gloria Siwisha in Lusaka
Monday, January 26, 2009 5:17:01 AM
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka has advised President Rupiah Banda to resist the temptation of assuming nepotistic tendencies if he is serious about fighting corruption.
And UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has said he is not surprised that President Banda appointed people who campaigned for him as permanent secretaries because he lacked seriousness in improving public service delivery.
Commenting on President Banda's appointment of permanent secretaries last week, Lifuka expressed concern that appointments to the position of permanent secretary continue to be politicised.
Lifuka regretted that career civil servants were not recognised as government makes the appointments.
"It is a pity that as a country, we have failed to recognise and attach merit to this important office," Lifuka said. "President Banda should have taken advantage of this occasion to recognise more of the career public servants who are experienced and qualified to ascend to the position of permanent secretary. Such a gesture would have a long-term effect on the whole public sector as more and more young professionals will be willing to join public service and aspire to rise to the position of permanent secretary. These aspirations, at the moment, are thwarted by the appointment of people from outside - some of whom are least qualified to serve even as director in a ministry."
He said President Banda's administration had failed to separate the civil service from political structures.
"The position is further compounded by the fact that some people appointed hold senior positions in the ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy [MMD] and it is a source of concern that they have been appointed as PS without them relinquishing their party positions," he said. "Specifically, we raise concerns about Mr Jazzman Chikwakwa who is a senior party official and board chairperson of ZAMPOST. Zambia should resist a regression into the days of the party and its government. We want to warn the ruling party that the Zambian people will not accept the use of state resources for party functions. We are aware that the MMD has failed to have this clear separation between the operations of government and the political party nor are they strictly adhering to the standard that public resources should not be utilised to run party affairs whether this is just a one off support extended to cadres who go to welcome the head of state at the airport or indirect contribution through provision of transport for party activities.
"This is not only unfair to other political parties that have no access to public resources but also amounts to mismanagement and misapplication of public resources. The appointment of party functionaries raises concerns on their impartiality to deal with issues without clouding their judgment on matters that may benefit or disadvantage their political party. Further, appointment of party functionaries lowers the dignity that people attach to these offices."
He said it was double standards for the government to require civil servants to be non-partisan and yet political party cadres were appointed to civil service positions.
"We sadly observe the doublespeak on this issue from our political leaders," he noted. "In one breath, our leaders are calling for the civil service to remain non-partisan and serve the government of the day and yet in another breath, they are appointing party functionaries who are openly partisan to the civil service. The question to ask is: under such circumstances, is it morally right for President Banda and MMD to condemn civil servants who sympathise with the opposition political parties? The civil and diplomatic service should never be used as a sanctuary for people to resuscitate their fortunes, revive their fledging political careers or even launder their images and reputations - this is a platform for service which should attract competent and able men and women. We have stated this before and we wish to reiterate - a compromised civil service is a public liability which simply fails to objectively manage the public affairs of the nation."
He advised President Banda to avoid appointing his relatives to government positions.
"We wish to advise President Banda, quite early in his presidency that nepotism is a form of corruption and if he is really serious about fighting corruption, he should resist the temptation to assume nepotistic tendencies," he stated. "This was also our advice to the late president Mwanawasa when we saw with great concern the appointment of kith and kin to positions of authority. We are saying put an end to this because if this is not nipped in the bud, even the next president will use his presidency to ingratiate his/her kith and kin. Let us stop this gravy train culture; it will simply destroy this country. Let meritocracy, excellence and honesty be the pillars of the Banda era."
However, he welcomed the changes generally at permanent secretary level.
"We strongly believe that these changes have been long overdue particularly that the conduct of some of the permanent secretaries, especially those that are controlling officers has been less than satisfactory. For some time now, the Auditor General has continued to raise serious concerns which point to inadequacies in the execution of duties by permanent secretaries especially in ensuring appropriate stewardship of public resources," he said. "It was becoming a worrying prospect for many Zambians that despite these concerns about the conduct of some permanent secretaries, little action has been taken by the appointing authority to relieve these men and women of their duties."
He urged stringent action against erring permanent secretaries.
"Transparency International Zambia would like to see more action aimed at cleaning up the public service. We are convinced that there are still some permanent secretaries who have not been removed who simply do not deserve to be in office. Allegations are abound against some of these permanent secretaries bordering on abuse of office," said Lifuka. "There are some who have misused public resources for their own private needs such as family holidays, while others have appointed friends and relatives to positions that they do not deserve and lastly, a good number of permanent secretaries have been ignoring public procurement procedures by offering contracts to companies that they have interests in. We are saying enough is enough. We call on the President and the law enforcement agencies to investigate all the allegations of impropriety and abuse of office by serving permanent secretaries as well as those who are to be redeployed or fired. Those found wanting should be prosecuted and no one should be immune from such action."
And Hichilema, who noted that President Banda had lost direction in handling public affairs of the country, said the appointment of people who campaigned for him was a sign of worse things to come.
"I’m not surprised that he effected that appointment because it is a true reflection of him and how he has used the public service. He has reached a point where he doesn't know whether he is going or coming," he said.
Hichilema said President Banda had duped public servants that had been patiently waiting to be elevated for having worked hard.
He said people should be appointed on merit and not on the basis of having campaigned for him or being his relatives.
Hichilema said President Banda's actions were not inspiring to Zambians, saying they would soon lose confidence in him.
He said President Banda had an obligation to improve public service delivery by introducing professionalism in the civil service.
Hichilema said with the global financial crisis already taking its effect on the Zambian economy, there was no need to further worsen the situation by appointing unqualified permanent secretaries.
"My heart goes to those civil servants who have worked hard to improve service delivery and expected to have their efforts appreciated. His actions are a signal of failure in government service delivery and this has exposed his lack of transparency in the manner he is handling public affairs," said Hichilema. "But like I always say, the choice is for Zambians, if they want sub-standard leadership, they get it and if they want the best, it's up to them to choose."
President Banda last week appointed 15 new permanent secretaries, retired four and promised to redeploy six.
Among the new permanent secretaries are Chikwakwa [Luapula Province], Mwalimu Simfukwe [Northern Province] and Steven Bwalya [Lusaka Province].
Labels: CIVIL SERVANTS, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, NEPOTISM, RUEBEN LIFUKA, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ
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Singogo’s conviction has sent right signals – Malila
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 9:54:59 AM
ATTORNEY General Mumba Malila yesterday said the conviction of former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) commander Lieutenant General Singogo to six years for corruption has sent the right signals to potential offenders.
And Malila observed that it is not surprising that some lawyers resort to desperate means when they realise that their client is going in for a criminal offence.
Meanwhile, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) chapter president Reuben Lifuka said the conviction of Lt Gen Sigongo by Chief Resident Magistrate Charles Kafunda on Monday should make President Rupiah Banda prioritise the cleaning up of the public service as his core business.
In an interview after officiating at a Global Transparency Fund (GTF) regional workshop for Africa at Lusaka's Courtyard Hotel, Malila said Singogo's conviction had sent the right message that corruption did not pay. “The law has taken its course and we are all satisfied and obviously Lt Gen Singogo is appealing,” Malila said. “And again the law will take its course.”
However, Malila said although the decision of the court was good, it was not yet final at this stage in view of the appeal process.
“We are yet to have the final verdict,” he said.
Malila further noted that the conviction was yet another milestone in the fight against corruption.
He also said the Task Force on Corruption would not shy away from being audited when the time to do so came.
He was responding to questions on whether the government would allow the auditing of the Task Force on Corruption, as demanded by some sections of the Zambian society.
Malila said the Task Force on Corruption had been very transparent and that they had not hidden the fact that a lot of money had been spent in the fight against corruption.
“They are ready for any such audit,” he said.
And on the move by Singogo's defence team of filing in a notice of appeal before Magistrate Kafunda passed sentence on Monday afternoon, Malila said he was not surprised by the action because sometimes, desperation crept in among lawyers when it dawned on them that their client was going to jail.
“These typically are legal questions that arise in court and I will not be surprised. Lawyers are paid to do the best for their clients,” he said. “It does not surprise us if there was that kind of attitude in court.”
During the sentencing, Magistrate Kafunda described the action by the defence as an exhibition of lack of patience for court procedures and that he found it improper.
And in his official speech at the workshop, Malila said the effects of corruption were far-reaching and disastrous and urged TI's Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) initiative to ensure that members of the public demanded high levels of integrity and accountability among public officials.
“We the major stakeholders therefore, have no choice but to respond positively to such well-meaning initiatives,” he said. “This being the case, it is imperative that we change the approach in combating corruption. We need to shift from the legalistic approach, though important, to citizens empowerment through friendly and cost free measures such as ALACS.”
Malila said successful results following the implementation of ALAC and other interventions in partner government institutions had already started showing to the country's benefits of a transparent, effective and accountable governance system.
Meanwhile, Lifuka agreed with Magistrate Kafunda's observation that Singogo's case was an illustration of the endemic nature of corruption in the country's bureaucracy, which needed to be uprooted.
“The observation by the court is totally correct, the endemic nature of corruption, not only in the public service but also in the private sector, is a serious matter of concern,” he said. “We have to look at the core that now the new administration has to clean up the civil service.”
Lifuka said the conviction of Singogo raised serious questions of accountability in terms of defence spending, especially that this expenditure was usually shrouded in secrecy.
“It also shows the predictability of our legal system that every person has his day in the courts of law whether they are senior people or not,” he said. “It will serve as a serious deterrence to those that are still serving.”
He urged President Banda to make a firm statement over the fight against corruption as he opens parliament this Friday.
And Lifuka said the global financial crisis could trigger an increase in the levels of corruption, as businesses strive to keep afloat amidst the economic recession.
He said the global community was looking at Africa's abundant natural resources as a rescue mechanism from the global financial and economic recession.
Lifuka said the inglorious issue of corruption in most African countries was nevertheless killing this perception.
Labels: CHRISTOPHER SINGOGO, MUMBA MALILA, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ
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TIZ calls for evaluation of fight against corruption
Written by Maluba Jere
Monday, January 05, 2009 6:10:08 PM
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka has called for an urgent evaluation of the fight against corruption in Zambia.
And Lifuka has advised President Rupiah Banda not to hesitate in dismissing all government officials found to be corrupt or engaging in any unscrupulous activities.
Reviewing 2008, Lifuka noted the need to strengthen existing strategies in the fight against corruption or the withdrawal of those tactics that were not working well in the whole process.
“Government, together with other stakeholders, should conduct an evaluation of the performance of the fight against corruption and that commitment should be made to strengthen what is working well and do away with what is not working well,” Lifuka said.
“This should be an objective evaluation which will help the country move from simply talking about fighting corruption to taking practical steps to deal with the scourge.”
He also called for the urgent domestication of the UN Convention against corruption by enacting legislation that would allow the country take advantage of the progressive provisions, especially in assets recovery.
Lifuka further emphasised the need for an urgent review of the legal position on the Task Force on Corruption.
“We would like to see that the necessary legal framework for the Task Force is put in place and ensure that it is accountable to the public for all its actions,” Lifuka said.
“Further, we would like to see sufficient resources provided by government to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Taskforce and other agencies so that all high profile cases on corruption are concluded as soon as possible. Additionally, government should provide funding for corruption prevention activities.”
And Lifuka challenged President Banda to run a clean government, saying there should be no sacred cows.
“We challenge President Rupiah Banda to ensure that his government takes timely and decisive action against all those found wanting and reported in the Auditor General's Office,” he said. “We would like to see action taken against permanent secretaries, specifically those controlling officers who have failed to deal with corruption in their ministries.”
He also demanded the establishment of audit committees in each ministry and government agency as required by the law.
Lifuka further called on President Banda to clean up the public service and get rid of government officials who were squeezing bribes from everyone, including investors.
He further said the appointment of a bloated cabinet did not help instill confidence in the public that the administration of President Banda was serious about fighting misuse of public resources and general abuse of power.
He said very little had been done in the fight against corruption, which he said was inherent in the public service despite many cries among Zambians.
On TIZ's expectations for this year as regards the fight against corruption, Lifuka said the law should be followed on public procurement procedures, especially in the importation of crude oil.
He also urged the government to hasten the process of transforming the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB) into a public procurement authority that would have a broader mandate to oversee all public procurement.
“We want to urge that President Banda should stay away from this. We do not want a repeat of what we saw under the late President Mwanawasa on oil importation,” he said. “State House should not become a procurement centre. We demand that the law is followed and Zambia National Tender Board be given the support to do its work professionally.
Lifuka further asked the government to account for all the resources utilised during the illness of late President Mwanawasa as well as on the state funeral, saying it was the government's obligation to do so because public resources were utilised during the whole process.
And Lifuka described 2008 as a year which had sparkles and blemishes.
He added that the progress of concluding numerous corruption cases before the courts of law had remained slow.
Lifuka observed that the long and drawn out process of prosecuting high profile corruption cases had become expensive given the inordinate delays.
He said the delays had made a number of people to question the efficacy of the whole fight against corruption.
“The problems at the Drug Enforcement Commission following the charges preferred against the two top officers in that institution were also another drawback and put a damper on the important role that DEC plays especially in dealing with money laundering,” he said.
“Further, the handling of the retirement of former director general at the Anti-Corruption Commission Mr Nixon Banda was poor and unprofessional and simply confirmed the need for the ACC to be strengthened as an independent watchdog institution. Similarly, in the year in question, the Auditor General's office continued to present information that points to a worsening situation in the management and stewardship of public resources especially by the Public Sector.”
Labels: CORRUPTION, RUEBEN LIFUKA, TIZ
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