President Lungu Respond To Diplomats, “Pay The Post Debt; It Will Re-Open”
President Edgar Lungu today traded off the campaign trail for a diplomatic hat in order to advice envoys working in Zambia to “not fall prey to negative misleading political rhetoric” and instead weigh issues before taking positions.
This is in the matter concerning the huge debt The Post newspaper has accumulated over years.
President Lungu was speaking the wake of sporadic statements issued by the EU, US and UN missions in Lusaka last week, where the diplomats demanded the re-opening of The Post newspaper, a tabloid the southern African country’s revenue authority (ZRA) shut down after it failed to settle a 6,1million dollar debt owed to the government, and losing a Supreme Court battle.
A resolute Lungu told diplomats that the debt the tabloid owed had a history that stretched back to 2009 and simply reached a collection date in 2016 on the back of a Supreme Court ruling.
“The issue of The Post newspaper was there as far back as 2009,” President Lungu told the diplomatic corps, at State House, the presidential residence.
The collection timing
“We (Patriotic Front govt.) found it. Some of you (diplomats) are saying the timing of the court’s decision is awkward. Tell me when the time to do this is right?” the lawyer turned politician asked.
President Lungu added: “You (diplomats) are the same people that say the tax system in Zambia is not efficient…that we are not collecting taxes for development and projects.”
President Lungu reminded the diplomats that in Zambia, there is a system of ‘separation of power or responsibilities’ were the administration is not allowed to interfere with the judiciary or legislature.
So, therefore, he asked the diplomats: “when is the right time for the courts to act independently?”
Because Zambia is a country of laws and not men, President Lungu said: “the matter cannot be stayed until after elections,” following a legal Supreme Court decision.
He also threw the gauntlet at the diplomats when he said: “those who feel The Post newspaper is being victimised…let them raise the money, pay ZRA and the matter will be cleared overnight.”
Different Strokes for Different Folks
The Zambian leader also raised concern at the random comments on Zambia internal affairs by diplomats accredited to Zambia saying the situation was not reciprocal in over 30 countries Zambia is represented.
“I don’t know whether this happens (comments on internal issues) my own diplomats who are accredited in other countries cannot comment on such matters if it were in your own countries?”
President Lungu who has been isolated form The Post saga by many in government and without concluded the discussion by saying: “this is a decision of the Supreme Court and it has nothing to do with me.”
Election peace and no violence call repeated
The soft spoken Zambian leader known for speaking with, “a soft voice but carrying a Big stick” also told diplomats that he shall not bar any international election observers in order to ensure the process before and after the polls is free and fair. Zambia votes on 11th August.
President Lungu who has constantly spoken against violence said he would continue preaching peace and encouraging unity ahead of the polls.
He has been placed as a front-runner by many local and international book-makers in the 11th August poll largely based on infra structure drive by his party.
The Christian community, women and youths especially, have warmed up to President Lungu whom they often refer to as a “humble man” or “one of us,” largely due to his great lack of pomp and fear of God.
The Post went bust on 21st June, crumbling under a staggering 6, 1 million US dollar debt or 63 million kwacha, which pundits argue must be used to buy drugs in hospitals, save babies and pay civil servants on time.
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