Dante Saunders’ calls highly irresponsible and unfounded -Sakeni

Government has reacted sharply to calls by Dante Saunders to impeach President Sata over the appointment of Chief Justice, as reported in today’s Daily Nation newspaper edition.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kennedy Sakeni said the call by Mr Saunders to impeach the incumbent President is highly irresponsible and unfounded.

Mr Sakeni who is also chief government spokesperson described the call by Mr Saunders as shallow.

This was contained in a press statement made available to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) today.

He said Mr Saunders call for impeaching the President lacked research as there is no such an appointment that President Sata has made in the office of the Chief Justice.

The chief government spokesperson explained that constitutional appointments by the President including that of the chief justice is subjected to rigorous scrutiny by relevant oversight institutions such as parliament.

“The call for impeachment therefore does not arise as there are adequate safeguards in the appointment of constitutional office holders,” he said.

Mr Sakeni reminded Mr Saunders that parliament comprises men and women of high integrity as representatives of the people who perform their duties diligently as has been demonstrated in the past.

He said it is mischievous for Mr Saunders to insinuate that parliament has been endorsing illegalities in the appointment of constitutional office holders by the executive.

The chief government spokesperson has since advised Mr Saunders to refrain from dwelling on speculations and displaying his ignorance on issues he least understands.

Meanwhile, government has taken a swipe at Mr Saunders allegations suggesting that government wants to use the Judiciary, the Police, Drug Enforcement Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission and other wings of government to fix its perceived political opponents.

Mr Sakeni said the allegations made by Mr Saunders are a fallacy and government has since dismissed the allegations with the contempt they deserves.

He said the PF government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and separation of powers among the three arms of government.

Mr Sakeni stated that government has at no time influenced the operations of the judiciary because government believes in the independent operation of the judiciary.

He explained that all suspects in the ongoing corruption and abuse of authority cases are enjoying their full rights as provided for in the countries legal and justice system.