🚨 No One Above the Law: Why DEC’s Summons of Bishop Banda Is Justified
An Opinion 🪞 by Rev Walter Mwambazi
I know that my headline here alone will get me labelled with the usual names but the truth of it doesn’t change on account of the fact that a clergyman is the person of interest.
As we all know now, the recent summoning of Bishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), in connection with the gifting of a Hilux vehicle by former Zambia Revenue Authority Director General Kingsley Chanda, has ignited fierce debate across social media. Some argue that the move is an act of victimization, while others insist it is a rightful exercise of the Commission’s mandate.
But let’s pause and ask: Are church leaders above the law? Should accountability only apply to politicians and ordinary citizens, while clergy remain untouchable?
⚖️ Equal Accountability Under the Law
Church leaders are part of society. They benefit from the same protections, rights, and privileges as everyone else – and therefore must also be subject to the same laws. When politicians are summoned to explain their wealth, we applaud it as a step toward transparency. When ordinary citizens are questioned by DEC, it barely makes headlines. Why then should it be different when a church leader is called to account?
The Hilux in question was gifted by a man who has since been convicted in relation to the same case. Authorities have already impounded the vehicle, and whether or not it has been forfeited to the state, the fact remains: DEC is acting within its jurisdiction
🔍 The Principle at Stake
This is not about victimization. It is about consistency. If we demand accountability from politicians, business leaders, and ordinary citizens, then church leaders must also be answerable when questions arise. To exempt them would be to create a dangerous double standard – one that undermines the very rule of law we claim to uphold.
🕊️ Faith and Integrity
The church plays a vital role in shaping moral values and guiding society. But integrity is best demonstrated when leaders willingly submit to the same scrutiny as everyone else. Transparency strengthens credibility. Accountability reinforces trust.
✅ Conclusion
As far as I am concerned, The DEC’s summons of Bishop Banda should not be seen as persecution, but as a necessary step in ensuring that justice applies equally to all. In a society striving for fairness, no one – whether politician, businessperson, or church leader – should be above the law.
That last line has been repeated by virtually every Minister of Home Affairs and Justice in all the different administrations in Zambia. I do not think there should be any exception this time around.
Why are some Bishops even jittery about this whole issue? What are they scared of? The guys must be very careful. Society knows them too well…they are just human.Sincerly, speaking, very few people trust them.
The relevance of the law is in its equitable application. Once the people identify gaps in its application, they lose confidence in the justice system.
The Archbishop has an opportunity to clear his name. Instead of complaining and crying persecution, the Bishop should focus on presenting his case with a view to maintain his good name.
As ba Mwambazi has rightly pointed out, you can’t have a section of society being regarded as untouchable by the law. It leads to the kind of abuse we saw under PF where cadres were openly displaying guns like they were in the American wild west. They even begun to fancy themselves as Lone Rangers or Clint Eastwood in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
The only valid complaint might be unequal application of the law not persecution.