PARLIAMENT RATIFIES PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS OF ACC DIRECTOR GENERAL GILBERT PHIRI, LAURA MITI AND OTHERS
LUSAKA – JUNE 24, 2022
PARLIAMENT has today ratified the 12 appointments of officers for the Judicial Complaints Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and Human Rights Commission made by President Hakainde Hichilema in March this year.
In a notice of motion moved by Sesheke UPND member of parliament Romeo Kangombe and seconded by Kasama Central PF member of parliament Sibongile Mwamba this morning, the House was urged to adopt a report of the parliamentary select committee that was appointed to scrutinise the presidential
appointments of the underlisted officials.
Those ratified are retired High Court judge Prisca Matimba Nyambe and Chad Himoonga Muleza to
serve as members of the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).
President Hichilema appointed the duo on March 29, 2022.
Others ratified are Musa Mwenye State Counsel,
Ireen Musonda Chongo Lamba, Dr Henry Bwanga Mbushi and Dr O’Brien Kaaba to
serve as the chairperson, and members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Board,
respectively.
The quartet was appointed by the President on March 28, 2022.
Further, Gilbert Andford Phiri, who was appointed on March 30, 2022, has been ratified to serve as the director-general of the ACC.
Dr Pamela Towela Sambo has been ratified to serve as the vice-chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) while Reverend Canon Emmanuel Yona
Chikoya, Tom Trevor Shamakamba, Laura Mary Miti and Christine Chama have also been ratified to serve as commissioners of the HRC.
The HRC officials were equally appointed by President Hichilema on March 28, 2022.
Dr Pamela Towela Sambo comes in to deputise Mudford Mwandenga.
In his motion, Mr Kangombe said there were no adverse negative reports against the 12 nominees from the witnesses interviewed.
The lawmaker said the constitutional requirement in Article 259, relating to gender balance and the inclusion of persons with disability in appointments, has been observed.
“In this regard, the committee commends the appointing authority,” Mr Kangombe said.
“However, the committee notes that Article 259 (1) (c) regarding taking into account youth representation has [not] been adhered to. The committee therefore urges the appointing authority to take this into consideration whenever making appointments in future.”
The committee, after due and thorough consideration, analysis and evaluation of the written and oral submissions presented to it by the witnesses and the interviews with the nominees, is of the view that all the nominees are suitably qualifies and poses the requisite competence to serve in the position which they have been appointed to.
Justice minister Mulambo Haimbe told the House that all the nominees have a proper track record and that they deserved ratification.
Others who debated the motion are Shiwang’andu PF member of parliament Stephen Kampyongo, Lunte PF member of parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya, Nalolo PNUP member of parliament Imanga Wamunyima, Lumezi independent member of parliament Munir Zulu, Feira PF member of parliament Emmanuel Tembo, Chawama PF member of parliament Tasila Lungu, Luena UPND member of parliament Mubita Anakoka and local government minister Gary Nkombo.
(C) THE FALCON