Whatever little hope the Zambian citizenry have had on the constitution have been dealt a vicious blow by President Michael Sata who has said it will be dangerous to release the document to the public before it passes through cabinet.
In a statement that confirms what the advocates of releasing the draft constitution to the public and cabinet simultaneously President Sata says the constitution making process has been hijacked by uncouth elements.
The Head of State who curiously are the only ones with access to the document say it has been hijacked.
Below is the full statement:
LUSAKA, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, says it is unfortunate that the constitution-making process has been hijacked by individuals whose objective is to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the sovereign will of the masses.
President Sata says the recent biased political manoeuvres surrounding the process confirm the ill-intentions of the persons at the helm of this misplaced crusade.
“Right from the start, this Government has been dedicated to the process, no wonder the committee handling the matter was left without any interference. But it’s clear that the well intended process has been hijacked to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the will and interest of the majority of Zambians,” President Sata said.
“Thus, as elected representatives and custodians of the Zambian people’s interests, we feel duty bound to protect the masses from those that have hijacked this noble process. We contend that with the current political schemes and ill-intentions, it will be highly irresponsible for us as people’s representatives to authorise the release of this document before it goes through Cabinet.”
The President says the country already has a functional constitution and the state will not be pushed into fast and reckless conclusions by individuals with dubious agendas.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
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