AVAP backs calls for removal of RB’s immunity

AVAP backs calls for removal of RB’s immunity

Kasama, February 14, 2013, ZANIS– The Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP)  Northern Region coordinator Kelly Kashiwa says his organization supports calls for the removal of former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity by Parliament.

Mr.  Kashiwa says Mr. Banda should clear his name from allegations of corrupt leveled against him and this can only be done if his immunity against prosecution is lifted.

He said this in an interview with ZANIS in Kasama today.

He noted that there is credible evidence that the former president allegedly abused his office while in power and should therefore stand trial in the courts of law.

He explained that the anti- corruption crusade embarked up on by the PF government needs the support of everyone for it to succeed.

Mr. Kashiwa stated that there was nothing sinister in removing former president Banda’s immunity as the same thing happened to late second republican president Dr. Frederick Chiluba.

He observed that the decision by the MMD Regime under the leadership of Mr. Banda to remove the abuse of office clause in the Anti Corruption Commission Act was an indication that some former government leaders wanted to hide their misdeeds from the public.

Mr. Kashiwa has since appealed to Members of Parliament to put aside their partisan interests and support the removal of Mr. Banda’s immunity so that the former Head of State can face justice.

In addition, PF regional secretary Evarist Chela said the removal of former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity is long over-due.

Mr. Chela said the PF government came into power on the premise to stamp out corruption which was rife in the MMD regime.

He charged that no amount of outcry from Mr. Banda will stop the Government from carry out a noble task of ensuring that all corrupt individuals in the previous regime were brought to book.

Mr. Chela has urged Zambians to fully support PF Government’s fight against corruption in the country.  

Yesterday, Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) called for the removal of former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity from prosecution by Parliament so that he could face justice in the courts of law on allegations of corruption.