President Lungu swears in 9 more Ministers
PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu has appointed and sworn-in nine more Cabinet Ministers bringing the total of those so far appointed to 25.
Those sworn in as Cabinet Ministers are:
(1) Hon. Given Lubinda, MP – MINISTER OF JUSTICE;
(2) Hon. Michael Zondani,Katambo MP- MINISTER OF LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES;
(3) Hon. Chishimba Kambwili, MP – MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING SERVICES;
(4) Hon. Christopher Bwalya Yaluma, MP – MINISTER OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT;
(5) Hon. David Mabumba, MP- MINISTER OF ENERGY;
(6) Hon. Charles Romel Banda, MP- MINISTER OF TOURISM AND ARTS;
(7) Hon. Emerine Kabanshi, MP- MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELFARE
(8) Hon. Ronald Kaoma Chitotela, MP- MINISTER OF WORKS AND SUPPLY;
(9) Hon. Brian Mushimba, MP- MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT;
The President has also sworn- in Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet-Finance and Economic Development Christopher Mphanza Mvunga, Deputy Army Commander, Maj. General Jackson Miti and High Commissioner to the Republic of Tanzania Benson Keith Chali.
Speaking at the Swearing in ceremony at State House today, President Lungu says he expects total loyalty and support from the Ministers for effective service delivery.
The President says he expects the Ministers to be at their best behaviour, hard working and focused on the implementation of Government policies and delivering without fail, because that is what the Zambian people are expecting.
The President warned that he will not hesistate to fire disloyal and under-performing Ministers.
President Lungu underscored that appointment of Ministers is his preserve and prerogative and that it is wrong to think that these appointments are being made at the expense of PF members who had supported, sacrificed and campaigned for his re-election.
The President says he was not making appointments to appease anyone, but he was merely looking for the best who could deliver and this was in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The President says he was aware of misguided concerns in the party that he was ignoring those who had served long in the party and were faithful, adding that these appointments were not about appeasements and rewarding followers but selecting the best to deliver.
“Ministerial positions are not about appeasing. Appointment of Ministers is a preserve and prerogative of the President. It’s not about appeasing each other. It’s about getting the best to deliver,” The President said.
“For those of you who supported me, your time will come,” The President added.
The President also says he will rally behind Her Honour the Vice-President to remain in office because of her handy contribution, despite some sentiments that the ruling party did not get massive votes from Western Province where she hails from.
President Lungu called for the need to encourage more women to vie for political office. The President expressed the low number of women representatives in Parliament, saying that both the PF and the opposition were affected.