Thu, 28 Dec 2017 09:35:55 +0000
…Lungu revokes his nomination as Member of Parliament
By MUYANI SHINJABALE and CHARLES MUSONDA
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has terminated the services of National Planning Minister Lucky Mulusa.
President Lungu has also revoked his nomination as Member of Parliament.
His sacking comes barely two months after former PF Matero aspiring parliamentary candidate Celestine Mukandila and other ruling party members Katimba Chisanga, Dennis Banda, and Benjamin Siwila petitioned President Lungu to fire him.
The petitioners condemned Mr. Mulusa’s statement at a CIMA function, which went viral on social media.
They asked for Mr. Mulusa’s immediate dismissal for breaching Cabinet’s collective responsibility and Section 9 (A) and (B) of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, Cap 16 the Laws of Zambia.
According to special assistant to the president for press and public relations Amos Chanda, the decision was pursuant to the powers vested in the President under Article 92 (2) (e) of the Constitution of Zambia read with Section 26 of the Interpretations of the General Provisions Act, Chapter 2 of the Laws of Zambia.
He said the Head of State had thanked Mr Mulusa for the services he rendered to the country and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Mr Mukandila, who lobbied President Lungu to fire Mr. Mulusa for breaching the Ministerial Code of Conduct and the Constitution, said it was good that President Lungu had listened to the petition.
“We cannot have ministers making a mockery of other ministers hence abrogating provisions of the law. This in itself demands that stern action be taken. The petitioners also wish to remind Zambians that Minister of Local Government – Hon. Vincent Mwale presented a Ministerial Statement in Parliament concerning the acquisition of Fire Tenders as was requested by the House.
And commenting on Mr. Mulusa’s dismissal, Mr. Mukandila told the Daily Nation yesterday that President Lungu had demonstrated that he was a listening President who wanted to follow good governance policies.
“The President seems to have listened to the good advice and it is clear the President is up to good governance policies. This is a lesson to other ministers that they need to work in accordance with Cabinet procedures and abide by good governance policies. I am excited that we have a listening President and this is how it should be.”
