CHAKWERA PLEADS WITH PARLIAMENT TO ACCEPT APPOINTMENT OF CHIZUMA AS ACB DIRECTOR

By Aamon Butao & Ian Soko

Parliament has adopted a motion that demands its Public Appointments Committee submits a report to the House next Monday after the Committee rejected Martha Chizuma’s appointment as new boss of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.  

Presenting the motion during an ad hoc sitting of Parliament, Leader of House Richard Chimwendo-Banda said the integrity of Parliament has been soiled following Tuesday’s surprise snub of Chizuma. 

"Parliament would like to consider the reasons for her rejection and then the house will decide the way forward on the matter" said Chimwendo-Banda.

Chimwendo-Banda said Chizuma, who has earned public support in her role as Ombudsman, has an impeccable record to head ACB.  

Taking his turn later when he officially opened the 2021/2022 budget meeting of Parliament, President Lazarus Chakwera urged Lawmakers to put politics aside and give Chizuma the mandate as ACB Director General. 

Chakwera warning further delays would affect implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy II and acceleration of government reforms. 

The President conceded that his development agenda is being impacted by some quarters in government who are implementing policies at slow pace.

Meanwhile gender empowerment stakeholders have reacted angrily with PAC’s refusal to confirm Chizuma as ACB Director General.

On her part veteran activist Emma Kaliya expressed shock and dismay with Tuesday’s dramatic turn of events.  

According to Kaliya, Parliament has been a disappointment on two previously occasions to women empowerment efforts when it also refused appointment of two women in key positions.