Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the judiciary to address the backlog of cases in the country. During the swearing-in ceremony of judges, diplomats, and a deputy auditor general at State House, the President called on the newly appointed judges to help put the house of the judiciary in order. He advised that justice should not be based on bribes, but instead on justice delivery.
President Hichilema noted that there were too many adjournments in the courts and urged the judiciary to think of the people who have sworn them in to serve. He implored the judiciary through the Chief Justice that allocation of cases should not be delayed, files should not be lost, and justice should not be based on bribes.
President Hichilema further advised those being deployed in the diplomatic service to ensure that they push the country’s agenda on investment and not war. He also reminded appointees that they would be watched 24/7 even when off duty and that they had a duty to ensure that they were always at their best.
The President reiterated that colleagues in government were an important arm of the government, and they should work as a team to deliver for the people. He also emphasised that justice delayed is justice denied, and there was a need for appointees to ensure they delivered their duties as a package, even as they have separate roles.
President Hichilema’s call for prudence in the dispensation of justice comes at a time when the backlog of cases has been a major concern in the country. He has saddled the new appointees with the responsibility to help clean up the image of the judiciary and ensure that justice is delivered promptly and fairly.
