Government is not hiding anything-President Lungu

PRESIDENT Lungu says it would be irresponsible of him to divulge information on national security and has warned that his administration will deal with anyone leaking state secrets.
Mr Lungu described as irresponsible insinuations that Government is hiding a US$192 million loan it contracted from China to improve state security.
The President said he is thinking twice about enacting the Access to Information Bill due to unprofessionalism exhibited by some media houses.
“You guys [media] are professionals. Work professionally and be your brother’s keeper,” President Lungu said.

Speaking on return from Livingstone at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka yesterday, the President said it is sad that the media, which is supposed to evaluate certain issues before publication, can go ahead to publish matters without due consideration.
“It is not responsible of me as head of State to tell you the number and type of guns that we have as a country. This is state security,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the media has the mandate to weigh stories and to be professional in the dissemination of information to the public.
“Government is not hiding anything but is only selective in what information it releases to the media and public,” he said.

The President was reacting to allegations that Government is hiding a US$192 million loan it contracted from China to improve state security.
Mr Lungu said the Government is responsible in its effort to release relevant information to the public.
The President said he will continue to deal with individuals who are leaking state secrets.
“We are going to deal with the person that leaked the letter. We know where the letter is coming from,” he said.
He said the leakage of state secrets is uncalled for because he, as President, cannot disclose matters of national security.

ZambiaDailyMail