By Patricia Banda
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, JACK MWIIMBU says no procession as suggested by some leaders, will be allowed as LUSAKA Archbishop ALICK BANDA appears before the Drug Enforcement Commission -DEC-.
Mr. MWIIMBU says this is because no police permit has been applied for to conduct such an activity.
He says Zambia is governed by laws and reminded those intending to take the law into their own hands that the Public Order Act remains in force.
Mr. MWIIMBU has however, clarified that Government will not interfere with the prayer meeting organised by church members in support of Archbishop BANDA, which is scheduled for the Cathedral of the Child Jesus.
Speaking during a press briefing in LUSAKA today, Mr. MWIIMBU assured the nation that law and order will be maintained.
He also expressed concern over what he described as numerous political statements issued by political parties and other stakeholders regarding the summoning of the Archbishop.
Mr. MWIIMBU said the matter has been wrongly politicised, emphasising that it is not a political issue, as insinuated.
He further emphasised that the summoning of Archbishop BANDA does not amount to a fight between Government and the Catholic Church, but rather involves an individual who is required to appear before the Commission to exculpate himself.
The Minister noted that many public figures have appeared before law enforcement agencies in the past, including the late First Republican President Dr. KENNETH KAUNDA, as well as President HICHILEMA when he was an opposition leader.
Mr. MWIIMBU however said police officers will be deployed solely to maintain law and order and will not infringe on anyone’s rights.
