PF advocates for wholistic approach against corruption fight

Zulu says, President Lungu does not want to see sacred cows in the fight against corruption.

By Francis Maingaila
(27-10-19) The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) is advocating  for a more wholistic approach in the fight against corruption.
Malambo PF  Members of Parliament Macabi Zulu told journalists when he featured at this week’s PF Interactive Forum held at Longacre Lodge that president Edgar Lungu wants anybody involved in any form of corruption be pursued irrespective of their political affiliation or standing in society.
He said that the PF feel, the fight against corruption is failing because it has been politicised.
When a corrupt issue is brought to the attention of the public, Hon. Zulu suggested, every one not only associate corruption but also want to implicate politicians affiliated to the ruling party as was the case with the issue of the 48 houses.
He said when the issue of the 48 houses was brought to the attention of the Anti Corruption Commission, the procedure as provided by the existing law was followed.
When the people that was linked to the 48 houses distanced themselves from the 48 houses, a gazzate notice was issued asking members of the public to volunteer the information that would lead to the identification and arrest of the person who own the 48.”
Regrettably, Hon. Zulu disclosed, when no one came up to either claim or give information on the ownership, all the 48 houses were forfeited to the state.
He said although the route which the ACC followed was so logical, it was not explained for a lay person to understand.
He said when no politician assisted with the ruling party was arrested, people began to blame the government of failing to fight corruption.
Hon Zulu suggested that many people today associate the corruption with politicians, especially those from the ruling parties.”
Using the available evidence from their informant, Hon Zulu observed, the ACC continued dig deeper until the real identify of the own of the 48 houses was identified.
To the surprise of everybody else, Hon. Zulu explained, the person behind the 48 house was a civil servants and not politician closer to the ruling party.
‘It has now become clear that there are other people outside the political world that are involved in corruption as evidenced in the ownership of the 48 houses.”
Hon. Zulu said the laws which the PF and the successive governments have put in place does not look at the face of the person when dealing with corruption.
Unfortunately, Hon. Zulu further suggested, the decision by quarters of society to politicise the corruption issue surrounding the 48 houses has not only compromised the case but the government agents from doing everything possible to ensure that those behind the scandal are brought to book.
He said the desire by the PF has ways been that the fight against corruption should not be politicised because corruption is the reason why Zambia where it is today.
He said corruption today is deep looted in the procurement process and warned that the people the compete in bidding for the tenders are required to follow procedure.
“If the procedure involved in the procurement are not properly followed, it can lead a person to face possible legal sanction both in the civil and criminal jurisdiction.”
He advised the people to learnt and understand the procurement laws so they can easily learn and identify the corruption associated with the procurement process.
He said many people that are associated with the tenders are not politicians but ordinary citizens and civil servants that run private businesses.
Whatever the case, Hon Zulu explained, corruption is vice that has led governments to lose out ao much resources which could haven used to support vital government installations including schools and hospitals.
He said the fight against corruption should be a commitment that need to be pursued by all the people involved.
He said whoever is involved in any form of corruption should be pursued using available laws until the vice is ridden off the Zambiam society.
He said Zambia has enough necessary laws to enable the agents fight corruption.
He said president Edgar Lungu does not want to see any sacred cow in the fight against corruption.
He said the president Lungu had directed the security agents to fight  corruption in whatever forms it comes and those involved should be pursued irrespective of of their standing or political affiliations.