Tuesday, March 19, 2024

My Ministers and Permanent Secretaries are paralyzed by fear of being called corrupt-President Lungu

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President Edgar Lungu  speaking to the newly appointed Ambassadors and Permanents Secretaries during the swearing in ceremony at State House
President Edgar Lungu speaking to the newly appointed Ambassadors and Permanents Secretaries during the swearing in ceremony at State House
President Edgar Lungu has said that his Ministers and Permanent Secretaries have been paralyzed in their duties for fear of being called corrupt.

The President said that the Ministers and Permanent Secretaries are failing to make sound decisions for fear of being called corrupt.

President Lungu said that while there has been too much noise on the procurement of 42 fire tender, the people making allegations of corruption are failing to give the Anti Corruption Commission evidence to enable them investigate the matter thoroughly.

The head of state said that was why the country has institutions such as the ACC to investigate such claims, but that without evidence it is difficult for them to investigate.

President Lungu maintained that he will not drop anyone more especially regarding the procurement of the 42 fire engines unless the whistle blowers prove their corruption allegation accompanied with evidence.

And President Lungu has disclosed that the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) had reported to him that one of his ministers was corrupt and had given them the go ahead to investigate the minister, but that to date he has not received feedback from the commission.

The Head of State said this at State House when he sworn-in Anthony Mukwita as Ambassador to Germany, Alfridah Kansembe as Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula as Zambia’s Ambassador to United States of America (USA) and Retired Major General Toplyn Lubaya as Zambia’s Ambassador to Egypt.

Others sworn-in are Dr. Simon Miti as Principal Private Secretary at State House, immediate-past DMMU National Coordinator Patrick Kangwa as Deputy Secretary to Cabinet for Administration, Mabvuto Sakala as Higher Education Permanent Secretary and Yande Mwape as Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) National Coordinator.

Meanwhile, Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has said that he could not expose the alleged corruption in the PF Government because he was still under oath.

Addressing a media briefing, Mr Kambwili said that he had seen a lot of alleged corruption in government, but could not expose it because he was under oath.

Dr Kambwili claimed that he has a lot of evidence of the corruption he has been talking about.

Asked why he did not resign on moral grounds after seeing that there was corruption taking place in government, Mr. Kambwili said that it would not have been right for him to resign when he was still fighting corruption internally.

Mr Kambwili added that that the people who were supposed to resign are those allegedly engaging in corruption and not him.

Mr Kambwili has since vowed to continue exposing alleged corrupt activities that have been happening from the time he was in government.

82 COMMENTS

  1. This guy really thinks we are sleepy as Zambians. Why should his ministers and PSs be paralyzed with fear if they indeed are not corrupt? only the guilty are afraid. What did we do to deserve such an inept president?

    • No need to be paralyzed. Just promote enforceable leadership code, give autonomy to a professional ACC, Courts, DEC and the Economic Intelligence Unit predecessor of SITET. Consult retired Dr. Kamoyo Mwale to offer consultancy services in reforms you need.Also embed covert service officers in many public institutions.

    • No Mr President its the Kambwili effect you started!
      You said some of your ministers are corrupt.
      So its you! you!
      Today you must tell zambians that your ministers are scared scared of what why are they scared?
      Pray that PF rules forever because ichigumura is coming. The cries of zambian people have gone unheard for too long.
      Wake up and act now Mr President otherwise the people of Zambia will wake you up.
      Thank you Kambwili even though we will grill you for that luanshya golf club too and other things.

    • You are disappointing as a Lawyer Mr Humbly Dumbly …. on one hand you tell us your Ministers by virtue of their work are not at all involved in any sort of procurement and now you turn around to say the are paralyzed for fear of being called corrupt ??????

    • Every time you open your mouth, nonsense comes out. Are you sober when utter such rubbish?

      You do not know what your job specification is. You are presiding over a disgraceful government. You have even chosen not to attend traditional ceremonies in zambia. But you are the first to attend ceremonies in Uganda, Swaziland, Congo, Burundi ….all those countries that practice human rights violations. And now you are telling us those 20 year old fire trucks were a bargain. Even my unborn child is cursing you coz even he can even smell a rat.

      If I were you, I would zip my mouth and sober up before uttering nonsense to the people of zambia. We have had enough.

    • The president of Zambia is really dumb. If they are paralysed it means they are guilt. The nation is asking that you investigate these allegations, don’t bring in the ACC who are directly under your control. Hire an independent professional firm, not KPMG. Kambwili is bursting with information about your ministers nefarious activities. Take him to court and prove him wrong!

    • This is coming from “sober” president?? Shocking!!!! kambwili is doing a good job palazying government with his words,,kekekekekekekek!

    • He is still doing appointments after years of being in power because he is busy wondering about countries .These trips for allowances needs to stop so that money can saved and used to build toilets for that secondary without a running water and a toilet .

    • THEY DON’T WANT TO BE INVOLVED, DO IT WITH YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE KEEP AWAY, HE CAN EASILY RUN TO DUBAI AND LEAVE YOU IN TROUBLE. PEOPLE CAN’T WORK INDEPENDENTLY, EVERY TIME IT’S I HAVE BEEN SENT BY … CAN YOU SIGN.

    • The Majority of Zambians want to know what is behind procurement of the most expensive Firefighting trucks in the World, and yet you have a President probably also scared and hiding behind his paralyzed ministers…Phewww, where are we kanshi? What is this animal called “evidence”, it seems it’s a new word to ward off all suspicions. Which Minister is he referring to that is under ACC investigation, is he still referring to the failed case of CK? He can not even mention him by name.
      Bane, I think you all now realize why we need to support CK to increase pressure because ECL is defending his paralyzed ministers instead of defending Zambians who are complaining

    • Ati MY ministers and permanent secretaries. This power awe mwandini. These people are not owned by you mr president. They are for God.
      This now challenges the belief that leadership is from God. When did you own leadership?

    • Mr. President when ACC wrote to you over Kaizer Zulu’s alleged corruption how come you did not ‘allow’ them to fully investigate? But with the not mentioned minister you ‘allowed’ them to fully investigate? Why the double standards if you are truly committed to the fight against corruption?

    • Ati “the people making allegations of corruption are failing to give the Anti Corruption Commission evidence to enable them investigate the matter thoroughly.” !!!!!!

      Is this man really a LAWYER? Does he not know it is the DUTY of the ACC to uncover CORRUPTION? Why is he expecting the public to do their jobs for them? Is this not why they are paid huge salaries? To sit and do NOTHING until someone who is NOT PAID provides evidence?

      The only possible reason for this is that he himself has appointed INCOMPETENT PEOPLE so that they do not investigate HIM!

  2. what about the house your family is occupying now belonging to the ministry Justice ; Have you been paying rent ?Is it true that you building so many houses in Lusaka which are beyond your means?

  3. No need to be paralyzed when you have a clear conscience. Fear is a product of guilt. Sincerity acts with ease

  4. Johnathan Airport Pombe, no wonder LAZ disbarred you..Investigations are about looking for evidence. What’s the use of ACC if they can’t look for evidence?

    How do they do their work when you have to authorize them to investigate? You are tying up their hands and legs with such talk.

    No wonder dishonerable Kambwili thinks your fight against corruption is a personal vendetta on him. Show impartiality and allow the systems to work independently.

    Go and ask KK how he used to investigate such issues…

  5. They (ministers ) do corruption with your blessings that is why you cannot sack them. Speaking of which ,the ACC is a toothless organisation which by now should have come up with a report as to why your family occupy a government house free of charge .

    • Always pretending to be lost and blaming everything on others. Always busy traveling.
      If you are lost bwana then get off and let someone else lead. How can you not know what’s happening to your government? Shaaa #$42million#

  6. Edgar Lungu is commander of all armed forces including Police, ACC and DEC. EL, if its true you fired Kambwili because he was corrupt, why hasn’t the ACC convicted him of corruption. If indeed Bowman Lusambo has a dossier of Kambwili’s illegal dealings and involvement with the Jerabos, why hasn’t he taken it to the Police so that they arrest Kambwili. If Munir Zulu is telling the truth that Kambwili swindled him and stole money that was meant for the Mongu stadium, why hasn’t he reported to the Police?? It’s either Kambwili is as clean as KK’s handkerchief or EL and his government are not serious about fighting corruption.

    • It’s not that lungu and his government are not serious in fighting corruption, it is they are swimming in corruption…..

  7. It is the ACC that is very afraid to operate without fear and intimidation from the powers that be. It is the ACC that is paralysed for fear of being accused of being unpatriotic in the scheme of corruption scandles Zambia has find itself in.

  8. Bakabolala balipama! See how they are trying to clean their corruption. Sickening indeed to hear ECL shielding his gang. Shame!

  9. Our president needs better advisors who will advise him to cease from making such statements. Psychologically, you can tell corruption is already present. what are they scared of?if they are mare allegations. business should go on as normal and continue serving the people that they are supposed to serve.

  10. But Kambwili Also, is he doing a dununa reverse?

    If he knows too well that he is under the oath of secrecy, why mention anything at all if you can’t provide details? Im going to stop taking you seriously. And that recent toilet paper diatribe against Mumbi Phiri and her husband was in no way justified even is you have apologised, the mud has stuck. It was below the belt and undignified. The woman was on your side for crying out loud!
    And coming back to Lungu, please show a bit of spine and not use your appointees ineffectiveness in service delivery on their fear of being labelled corrupt. What the masses are questioning is the inflated costs of all projects being undertaken by Govt and the perceived corruption in procurement. You have been less than candid in coming out with details…

  11. Lungu, Zambians want answers why Kafue Lower Gorge that YOU just opened is now costing 350 MILLION DOLLARS MORE since you reinstated it ??? The evidence is there right in front of you !!

    No more procrastination. No more excuses. No more pointing fingers at others. No more suppressing this in the PF controlled Government press and ZNBC.

    WE WANT ANSWERS. If the ACC can’t do it IT IS YOUR JOB TO APPOINT A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY! Why are you not doing that? What are YOU afraid of ? Are you guilty too ????

  12. FUNNY , IF YOU MR PRESIDENT, LEFT 400 FOR FOOD AT HOME AND YOU FIND YOUR WIFE HAS BOUGHT ONE BAG OF MEALY MEAL AT 400 WHILE THE SHOP AT THE CORNER HAS THE SAME SIZE OF MEALY MEAL BAG AT K68, WOULD YOU BE SILENT JUSTIFYING THAT SHE HAS A RECEIPT LOL

    • WELL DONE CHICHI, YOU HAVE AT LEAST TRIED TO PUT THE PROCUREMENTS IN SIMPLE CONTEXT. WE ARE POOR COUNTRY GOING FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE TENDERS USING BORROWED MONEY. WHAT’S HOING ON? STEPPING DOWN WOULD BE THE BEST THING WE JUST HAVE TO START A FRESH, LIFE IS TOO SHORT. GO AND ENJOY THE COMMISSIONS.

  13. Lungu doesn’t understand the dangers of corruption in the economy. The Chinese govt has zero tolerance to corruption and Lungu doesn’t appreciate how destructive corruption is to the economy. Lungu believes that corruption is a way of life and sees nothing wrong in being corrupt. No wonder why Lungu and his Ministers and govt officials are all corrupt. Lungu sees nothing wrong in Firefighter costing $1 million each. At a personal level Lungu aspires to be a multimillionaire thru corrupt deals and projects. Lungu is a corrupt thug in govt to enrich himself thru corrupt deals. Lungu has No integrity and morals to manage a clean govt. Lungu as a Practicing Lawyer stole a client’s money but has No remorse or shame. From stealing a client’s money to stealing votes and public funds. With…

  14. MR. PRESIDENT SIR; WITH ALL DUE RESPECT; CAN YOU NOT FIND A MORE DIGNIFIED STATEMENT THAN THAT? YES WE ZAMBIANS ARE FED UP WITH ALL THE INFLATED COSTS OF EVERY PROJECT. UNLIKE THOSE THAT DANCE FOR YOU AT THE AIRPORT AND THOSE SINGING PRAISES FOR YOU THERE ARE MANY MORE LEARNED ZAMBIANS THAT ARE SEEING ALL THE WRONGS AND PLUNDER OF YOUR ADMINISTRATION SIR; PF NOW STANDS FOR POVERTY FIXERS. NEVER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE HAVE WE HAD SUCH A DESTRUCTIVE RUTHLESS UNREFIND PARTY LIKE YOURS SIR. YOU CANNOT SIDE WITH YOUR CORRUPT AND VIOLENT MINISTERS.

  15. Lungu wants to promote reckless corruption……those staff he is talking about who fear prosecution for corruption know lungu is going to jail as such lungu wants to normalize corruption……he wants to be able to say my whole governments works that way……

    mwandi ma civil servants don’t be draged down with lungu and his gang their ill gained wealth is temporal….

  16. Waona manje, wayamba kulila, us in the opposition, we watch and wait, your time seems to be running out. Njenjenjenjenje, njenjemela, yakwana nthawi, kinako, Chindi chasika, inchita naifika.

    • Imbwili is roaring like a lion Permanent secretaries and ministers paralysed, ineffective says one president Lungu.

  17. What a disaster of presidency. Its him who said most of his minsters and PSs are corrupt and today he says give evidence. I think moba is not good for leaders.
    Pathetic!

  18. Ladies and gentlemen , fellow Zambians.. .

    IT not a coincidendence that we have so much tribal divisions, it is not a coincidence that zambia owes close to $15 billion yet we have rampant unemployment, it is not a coincidence that we have so much lawless mess, it is not a coincidence that we have all these allegations of corruption and it is not a coincidence that zambia pays $1 million for a scania truck converted to carry a tank and called a fire truck,

    Countrymen and women lungu is the worst most corrupt leader with zero integrity , even zero is better , lungu has negative integrity and morals.

    You his supporters will pay the price of guilt.

  19. Mr. President and your ministers! Please never mind the perpetually losing tribal party! It is there to smear hard-working people for its own agenda! They don’t talk about how HH got rich but see the splinter in other people’s eyes and they can’t see multiple logs in their own eyes – amafus.

    • You are a great joker !! God Bless You.
      You must be benefiting from this government, otherwise, you wouldn’t be so blind. I hope one day you will wake up.

    • Answering own “exam question”, which school did you go too? The question here is corruption, you choose to talk about tribe. When will you grow up.

    • But when did Kambwili join the so-called tribal party? Don’t divert us. Debate the issues at hand. That tribal nonsense will not save you this time. We are not stupid.

  20. Jonathan you and your thugs will have your day in court soon.
    Now start to build nice prisons for your selves.

  21. And where is the under5 UP.NDonkey today? His alleged “firetendergate” has fizzled out? Or GBM the tenderpreneur has abandoned him on that one?

    • We are still waiting for answers why Zambia paid $1 million for a truck that costs less than $300 k ??????

  22. Senior Citizen u are wasting time advising a Chakolwa who prefer getting advice from fellow ba Chakolwa. Its like one who marries a prostitute from the bar. No matter what u do she will not stop visiting bars. The ***** talking about Tongas must stop. Tribalism is sin. Mulekula Bakolwe imwe. Tamumfwa nelyo ifimuti nafipwa ku malasha.

  23. He is still doing appointments after years of being in power because he is busy wondering about countries and attending traditional ceremonies in Swaziland .These trips for allowances needs to stop so that money can be saved and used to build toilets for that secondary without a running water and a toilet .

  24. Visionless Lungu govt has No Value Proposition to offer the People of Zambia. Illegitimate Lungu’s main objective is to govern Zambia with an Iron Fist while he and his criminal Advisers enrich themselves. Lungu stole the 2016 Election with the sole purpose of enriching himself together with people who surround him. Lungu is in Power not to serve Zambians but to enrich himself and fellow criminals. Lungu has 100% Tolerance towards Corruption and hence Lungu and his fellow criminals are now filthy rich. Lungu has no intention to eradicate Corruption in his govt. Lungu and PF have nothing to offer to the People of Zambia except to enrich themselves.

  25. When corruption shows off it’s ugly head ..This why declaration of Assets before one takes over a key position in Government is essential. During the Kaunda era his ministers only owned farms an indication of being productive and not surviving on gains through corruption.That time the top man at ACC was a white man.

  26. Comment:
    @Senior citizen
    Show compasion and remorse please. Dr Kamoyo Mwale has been dead since 2010, ? think.

  27. So if you have evidence of corruption against Lungu, you present the evidence to ACC and ACC informs Lungu who decides to authorize prosecution against himself. What a load of chicken manure from Lungu. How do you authorize investigations just because you the president.

  28. After taljing to President Lungu, Patricia Scotland went to see under5 whom she thought was decent boy because she expects all leaders to be decent. Boy is she shocked that under5 is not only indecent but also a great tribalist. She has now learnt too late that the problem with under5 is not the election but tribalism. When she was told that under5’s “leadership” of the UP.NDonkeys was born out of pure tribalism she did not believe, now I am sure that she believes it but she still can’t imagine that under5 is such a tribal UP.NDonkey after all the smiles he gave her
    Watch it Patricia, this is the ugly side of the tribalism practised by U5; and there goes your dialogue in flames, firtunately President Lungu bought some new fire engines.

  29. The president has confirmed that his PSs and Ministers are feeling the impact of Kambwili in short they are having sleepless nights and the president says they are paralysed nowonder nothing is happening in those offices.

  30. Living beyond ones lawful means is the basic foundation of evidence for corruption affecting senior state officials.That is why they periodically have to declare their wealth and incomes.Dr Kaunda who hated corruption acted even on mere rumours of corruption about ministers by suspending them and initiating investigations.Many times these rumours were proven real. Today two former PF cabinet minsters are saying their is corruption and Zambians can see the opulent life the PF leaders are now living.Corruption is obvious.It is not positive to ask the public for evidence.

  31. They have great reasons to be paralyzed. Any corrupt official or thief should be paralyzed once caught. Only shameless ones do not show remorse after being caught.they actually boast.

  32. How can someone be paralized by the fear of being called corrupt unless they are corrupt? Mr President you are not making sense. I’m being to question your ability to tackle corruption. I even doubt reasons for Dr Kambwili’s firing are what we are meant to believe. Your defense of these issues is embarrasing.

  33. Instead of insulting the president let’s ask him for answers and hold him accountable. I think power ya ba kola ba boss. There is something not right about his attitude to matters…

  34. Zambian parliament is very weak. Parliamentary committees on various organs of govt should set up commissions to investigate some of these allegations. Let people come forward and testify. This is the only way to shut people like Kambwili if they think is talking nonsense. It means some things are true.

  35. Imwe ba LT, for someone to appointed as ambassador, it means someone else has been recalled. Your reporting should include names of those recalled.

  36. It only means you, your ministers, permanent secretaries and diplomats are all corrupt! They do nothing for Zambia and in it for themselves. Someone write a book praising your presidency and they become an ambassador. Please Mr. president don’t mistake Zambians for fools because in the end you will turn out to be a bigger fool! Stop stealing and put money in projects its meant to go not building yourself mansions and apartments. People are suffering yet all you do is travel as if national reserves are at your own pleasure. If you have failed Zambia just step down because it is readily apparent that you are a follower and not a leader. You have made Zambia worse than it was due to bad leadership. You have no vision for the country!

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