Just one week ago, President Michael Sata shocked the nation by appointing a comedian, Ben Phiri, as the Permanent Secretary to Luapula Province, forming part of the Patriotic Front’s ever growing cabinet of more than 80 officials.
However, just as quickly as Mr Phiri was hired, he has been fired.
This evening in Lusaka reports indicate that the 76-year-old President Sata has personally ordered the dismissal of the comedian after learning that he is suffering from “poor health.”
It was not clear whether or not the sudden dismissal of Phiri was a response to public criticism over the appointment, or a general shift in response to increasing public anger over the removal of fuel and maize subsidies, which have posed a dramatic increase in the cost of living for most Zambians.
The concern over Mr Phiri’s state of health is particularly notable considering several absences from office and trips abroad to seek medical treatment by President Sata over a series of undisclosed illnesses.
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