Let GBM be probed freely’

By CHARLES MUSONDA
CHIEF Government spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya has advised Cornelius Mweetwa, the African Parliamentarian Network Against Corruption (APNAC) chairperson, to let the investigative wings probe former Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba without undue criticism.
Mr Kapeya, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, says Mr Mweetwa should not view the probe against GBM as persecution and a selective application of the law to harass the former minister.
“Mr Mweetwa as a lawyer understands the separation of powers and should be the last person to accuse the executive of having a hand in the probe of Mr Mwamba.  As chairperson of APNAC, which champions the fight against corruption and promotes integrity among law makers, the statement coming from the learned lawyer makes sad reading.
“Having said this, Government does not in any way imply that Mr Mwamba, or his family are guilty; rather Government will allow the investigative wings to conclude their work. The executive is not involved in investigations against any citizens regardless of their social standing or political affiliation in society,” Mr Kapeya said in a statement released yesterday.
He said if the investigative wings suspect corruption, they are at liberty to institute investigations against anyone in line with their professional mandate.
Mr Kapeya added that investigations against Mr Mwamba should be allowed to proceed without undue interference from APNAC, or any other organisation which supports APNAC’s posturing on the matter.
“The Anti-Corruption Commission upon completion of its investigations will inform the nation on the outcome. The only role that the PF government plays under the able leadership of President Michael Sata in the fight against graft is to provide leadership and the political will,” he said.
Mr Kapeya further dismissed with contempt remarks by the Forum for Development and Democracy (FDD) that it is not participating in the Katuba by-election because of too many by-elections.
“FDD must know that by-elections are occasioned by many factors such as death, as in the case of Katuba, and nullifications due to electoral malpractices. Whether this situation brings about numerous by-elections or not is no justification for denying people representation in Parliament in a constitutional democracy.
“If FDD are unable to field a candidate in the Katuba by-election due to reasons best known to them, they should not give baseless grounds for staying away from participating in the by-elections. It is after all their democratic right to contest or not.”