Civil society organisation unhappy with Kabimba statement

A civil society organisation has noted with disappointment the statement attributed to Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba as having said that Members of Parliament should seek police clearance whenever they wanted to visit their constituencies.

Operation Young Vote Executive Director Guess Nyirenda said the organisation is appalled with the statement if it is true as Zambia is a democratic state.

Mr Nyirenda said the statement is misguiding and reflects wrong character for Mr Kabimba who holds an influential position not only of Justice Minister but also a Secretary General for the ruling Patriotic Front.

He told ZANIS today that the position of Secretary General is supposed to be an icon and a beacon of political maturity and co-existence in a democratic dispensation like Zambia.

He noted that Zambia is a democratic country, which should be governed on the strong principles of democracy.

Mr Nyirenda further advised the police and other institutions of governance in the country to desist from being used in political attacks.

Last week, some section of the media carried a story saying Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba said parliamentarians should seek permission from police to hold meetings with their electorates in their constituencies.

Mr Kabimba who was then, acting Home Affairs Minister said the move was a safety measure aimed at protecting the MPs.