MINISTERS WILL INTIMIDATE ACC…naming them will put public pressureon govt to have them step aside – Antonio Mwanza

MINISTERS WILL INTIMIDATE ACC
…naming them will put public pressure
on govt to have them step aside – Antonio



By Thomas Ngala(The Mast)



THIS same ACC is quick to publicly announce the names of ordinary Zambians who are merely suspected and not even under formal investigations but when it comes to the ruling elite, the ACC finds it prudent to hide the names of the suspected criminals, fumes Antonio Mwanza.

Following the announcement that the ACC is currently investigating some cabinet ministers and other government officials for alleged corrupt practices, Mwanza who is Socialist Party deputy general secretary saw it strange that ACC does not want to reveal the names of those under investigations.

He said the ACC’s attempt to shield criminals in government is totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

“This same ACC is quick to publicly announce the names of ordinary Zambians who are merely suspected and not even under formal investigations but when it comes to the ruling elite, the ACC finds it prudent to hide the names of the suspected criminals. These double-standards is what has made the so-called fight against corruption a sham and a mockery to the people of Zambia. It is such behaviour that has eroded the faith and confidence that people once had in the ACC and other similar state institutions,” Mwanza noted. “It is a joke and a mockery of justice to assume the ACC can effectively investigate a minister while he is holding on to his office. Ministers have too much power and influence and they can easily abuse that power and influence to intimidate ACC officials and frustrate any meaningful investigations. The only way to ensure justice is to have those ministers under investigations step aside and allow the ACC to investigate them freely and fairly. For as long as those criminals are holding on to their offices, nothing will happen. Naming them will put public pressure on the state to have them step aside, and that is the only way the ACC can effectively investigate and prosecute them.”

He said he sympathises with the “discredited ACC because their hands are tied”.

Mwanza alleged that ACC cannot go against their appointing authority, President Hakainde Hichilema.

“…who is the number one culprit in shielding his officials from prosecution. President Hichilema promised the Zambian people that once elected into office he will fire any government official under investigations to pave way for a fair and transparent process. However, today he is doing the opposite. Instead of firing, he transfers ministers with questionable credentials from one ministry to the other like it’s musical chairs. Instead of firing Solicitor General Marshal Muchende, who is under formal investigations, the President has opted to arrogantly keep him in office. What corruption is the President fighting?” he asked.

Mwanza said naming ministers under investigation would ensure the public is informed about the integrity and accountability of their leaders.

“It will help build trust between the government and its citizens by demonstrating that no one is above the law. By naming those under investigation, the government shows its commitment to openness and honesty, reinforcing democratic principles. When ministers are named, it creates pressure for them to be held accountable for their actions. It signals that they will be scrutinised and must answer for any misconduct. Publicly naming ministers can deter others from engaging in corrupt practices knowing that they could also be exposed and face consequences,” said Mwanza. “Naming ministers under investigation will prove that the law applies equally to everyone regardless of their position or power. By making investigations public the ACC will demonstrate its commitment to justice and fairness for all and not only for those who are poor or without money. When people see that anti-corruption authorities are actively investigating and naming corrupt officials, it will boost confidence in this disgraced institution and will at least prove to some small extent the government’s commitment to fight corruption.”