President Hakainde Hichilema has revealed that he has instructed his Finance and Infrastructure Ministers to take legal action against Munir Zulu, whom he has described as a “mischievous individual who seeks to harm innocent people.”
Munir Zulu serves as the Member of Parliament for Lumezi as an Independent candidate.
In addition to this, the President has dismissed three Permanent Secretaries, and around 20 public servants are currently being investigated for corruption under his administration. Hichilema has also expressed regret that the United Party for National Development (UPND) did not take office in 2016 before the country’s debt burden became so overwhelming.
On Tuesday, Zulu, claimed that Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane and his Infrastructure counterpart Charles Milupi had each received bribes of US$250,000 in relation to the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway project and had been meeting secretly.
Hichilema’s directive to sue Zulu underscores his government’s commitment to stamping out corruption in Zambia. The President’s dismissal of Permanent Secretaries is also an indication of his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. In addition, the ongoing investigations into public servants who have been implicated in corrupt activities indicate that Hichilema’s government is serious about cleaning up the civil service.
The President’s expressed his confidence and determination to address Zambia’s debt crisis, and that he is keen to put the country on a path to economic recovery.
Many believe that President Hichilema’s recent actions and statements demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption, cleaning up the civil service, and putting Zambia on a path to economic recovery. Some also say that his decision to sue Munir Zulu and dismiss Permanent Secretaries sends a clear message that his government will not tolerate corrupt practices.