President Lungu ponders enacting Freedom of Information bill

President Edgar Lungu says he is thinking twice about enacting the Freedom of Information Bill because of the way information is being mishandled by the media.

Mr Lungu was speaking upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka this morning from Livingstone where he hosted the African Union (AU) Committee of Ten Heads of State Summit on the United Nations (UN) Reforms.
Speaking to journalists, President Lungu said media practitioners are professionals who should be able to analyse and evaluate the information that they receive from their informers.

The President said the allegation that government is hiding a US$192 million loan from China for security purposes is false.

 

Mr Lungu said the leaking of information is a security issue which has already been handled further stating that those found wanting would be dealt accordingly with one by one.

He said secrecy should prevail because it will be irresponsible of him to be sharing top class information to the public.

‘it is sad that information is circulating. we are not hiding any money. That is why am even thinking twice about enacting the freedom of information bill,” he said.
President Lungu was received at the KKIA by Vice President Inonge Wina.
Others who received the President were senior government and Patriotic Front (PF) Party officials who included Home Affairs Minister Davis Mwila, State House deputy Minister Mulenga Sata and Defence Chiefs among others.