President Edgar Lungu has implored newly sworn in high court judges to exhibit high levels of integrity in their discharge of national duties.
Speaking on Jun 14, 2016 at state house when he swore in nine judges and one state council, President Lungu advised the judges to acquaint themselves with literature highlighting the ethics of a judge.
He pointed out that people will respect the outcome of a judgment when judges exhibit professionalism by sticking to ethics.
“Therefore it becomes imperative that you work hard and also ensure that the integrity you are talking about is maintained and you maintain this by ensuring that u stick to the ethics of what judges are expected to do. I know there is a lot of literature, history books on the does and don’ts of a Judge, but one of the things I can tell you without going in details is perception of the Zambian people and the community in which we leave,” he advised.
Mr Lungu further urged the judges to refrain from being found with people who may have a questionable character as this may tarnish their image as judges.
The President said the perception people will have towards them emanates from the people they associate with.
The Head of State counseled the new judges to emulate the conduct of old high court judges who have raised the grade of integrity in the judiciary.
President Lungu said some people have a wrong perception of being a judge as they think it is glamorous.
He pointed out that there is more to being a judge than the glamour people associate to the office of the judge.
” I know some think being it is glamorous to be a judge, I don’t think so, at the end of the day you will discover that there is so much more to it than the glamour, a lot of hard work and the expectation by the people of Zambia from our judges,” President Lungu noted.