Civil society not in-favour of RB immunity lifting

Civil society not in-favour of RB immunity lifting

Chipata, February 19, ZANIS ——The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) in Eastern Province has described calls to remove the immunity of fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda as a serious violation of the rule of natural justice.

CSPR Provincial Coordinator, Maxwell Nkhoma says the organization finds calls to remove Mr Banda’s immunity as premature because there is no evidence of corruption against him.

Mr Mwale explained that CSPR strongly believes that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other law enforcement agencies have not done enough up to this stage to show causes why the immunity of Mr Banda should be removed.

Mr Nkhoma said that there is need for law enforcement agencies to provide evidence to the public showing wrong doings by Mr Banda while he was in office.

He however, has advised those opposing the removal of the immunity of Mr Banda that Zambians are equal before the law regardless of status and the office one occupied.

Mr Nkhoma said that it is in this regard that necessary measures including removal of the immunity should be considered if the former head of state is found wanting.

Meanwhile the CSPR has demanded updates on investigations involving Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister, Geoffrey Mwamba on alleged corruption if equality before the law is to be seen.