WE ARE ABOVE BOARD AND WILL REMAIN TRANSPARENT
Allegations levelled against me by Mr. MUNIR ZULU in a video widely circulated on various communication and information platforms, have been brought to my attention. Mr. MUNIR ZULU, a Member of Parliament for Lumezi Constituency has stated in the circulating video that he was speaking as a member of the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (APNAC).
Mr. MUNIR ZULU alleges that I and my counterpart from infrastructure have secretly been appearing before the Anti-Corruption-Commission, from who he has demanded an update on the matter. He also asserts that I have received pecuniary benefit through a bank transfer from a source he has not named. I take great exception to this but assure the nation again that I have not received any such payment either through bank accounts connected to me, directly in cash or in any other illegitimate manner.
I also assure the nation that I have NOT been summoned, NOT been interviewed as a suspect, and NOT been questioned by the Anti-Corruption-Commission or any law enforcement agency in any corruption case. I will seek appropriate statutory remedies for the injury caused to my character by Mr. MUNIR ZULU.
As Minister of Finance and National Planning, I am a public official running a public office. In the course of my duties, my office remains accessible to various stakeholders both within the public sector and outside. It is important to note that law enforcement agencies, in the course of their duties, are free to invite any public official or otherwise to assist with information in an ongoing or planned investigation. They should not be deterred from doing that if it helps in establishing facts in a matter that they are pursuing.
I take this opportunity to assure the public and stakeholders that in the course of implementing our economic transformation programme and helping to better the lives of Zambians, the Government will remain committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law, now and in future. We have noted with concern, some schemes aimed at deterring us from focussing on sustaining the progress made in repairing the economy, bettering the lives of our citizens, and improving the country’s standing in the international community and strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders, local and foreign. We are on high alert and we will not be derailed.
Issued by:
Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING
Wednesday, 22 March 2023
The ball is in your court, Mr. Munir Zulu. Give us what you have to prove your serious allegations of corruption on the part of the Finance Minister and the Infrastructure Minister.
This issue should not be taken lightly and must be pursued to its logical conclusion. If there is corruption, it must be exposed and dealt with. However, if Mr. Zulu is telling stories, he must be held accountable to the full, no half measures.
Totally agree.
Now let us see what evidence Munir has on this matter.
It does not make sense that Mikupi can be bribed with such small amount of money when he is worth over USD 100 million. But greed knows no bounds.
I don’t think a minister would allow money to
Be deposited in his account knowing well that
This can backfire on them but you never know.
Just get the bank statements?.
We await to see whether the Insatiable pockets, are what they are, Insatiable !
So Honourable MPs we are getting ready for your Press Conference at 17 hours..Spill more beans. We are all ears.
In the same vein we await to hear the start of the legal suits against the MPs for defamation. If there is no movement from the honorable Ministers, we will conclude..And raise the volume for ACC to move in.
Munir Zulu s body language was clear. The chap was lying. Being a pathological liar and denting someone s image without tangible evidence will have serious consequences and implications on the chap.
I see a straightforward litigation.
Some lawyers have already completed their case against him, its a matter of them presenting the summons and court procedures will be effected.