Help us uphold Rule of Law appeals RB

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has appealed to the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to help Government in upholding the rule of law. He said LAZ should work with the Government in attaining an effective democratic dispensation, peace and maintenance of law in the country.

Speaking during the LAZ Annual Ball at Zambezi Sun Hotel in Livingstone on April 25, Mr Banda said the association and the Government should continue promoting the rule of law and encourage people to respect the laws of the land.

The president assured LAZ of Government’s cooperation to realise good governance-related objectives but advised LAZ to always remain non-partisan, independent and impartial.

He said the Government was concerned about falling ethical standards and observance of rules and practice in the legal profession. He urged the association to be careful not to lose its cherished traditions and strict rules of discipline. He said the association had not come out strongly to defend the courts and helpless accused persons and parties whose human rights have been violated and their right to a fair trial compromised.

The president challenged LAZ not to only speak out when there was perceived infringement or violation by the Government, but against the private sector and members of the public who violated established laws and norms. He said failure to do so gave the impression that some individuals were above the law.

Mr Banda also expressed worry at the increasing cases of examination paper leakages denting the legal profession’s image and challenged LAZ to stop the scourge.

HE also appealed to the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE), University of Zambia, the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to re-examine the training of lawyers to meet the latest technological development.

He said the Government would strengthen the directorate of public prosecutions by creating a National Prosecution Authority in line with the Fifth National Development Plan.

“In this regard, the National Prosecution Authority will employ prosecutors in the same way that the Anti-Corruption Commission employs prosecutors. However employed prosecutors will in turn be appointed and supervised by the Director of Public Prosecutions and such prosecutors will be highly motivated,” he said.

And out-going LAZ president Elijah Banda has pledged the association’s continued support to the Government. He thanked the Government for supporting LAZ. In-coming president, Stephen Lungu, said the new executive would act on the challenges made by the Mr Banda. The LAZ AGM also elected Kafunya Mbindo as the vice-president, secretary Margaret Chalwe and treasurer Overs Banda who were unopposed.