25th April, 2015 Zambezi Sun Hotel

Bar-Bench Lunch

Press Statements

1. 
   Press statement on the increasing levels of political violence in Zambia 25^th April 2014. LAZ issued a statement condemning the rising levels of political violence and in particular vigilante activities by Patriotic Front cadres threatening the Zambia Informations and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema at an Ndola radio station.
   
2. 
   Press statement on the issue of whether the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General are required to take an oath of office before assuming office. This followed the delay in Mr. Musa Mwenye SC and Mr. Abraham Mwansa taking an oath of office following the ratification of their appointments to the office of Attorney-General and Solicitor-General of the Republic of Zambia whilst the Republican President was unwell. LAZ stated it was necessary for both the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General to take an oath of office before assuming office. However in this instance LAZ opined that it was not necessary for Mr. Mwenye SC to take the oath of office again as he had taken the same oath after he had earlier been ratified as Solicitor-General.
   
3. 
   Press statement on the release of the final draft constitution 24^th June 2014. LAZ issued a statement calling upon the Government to release the final draft constitution and to adopt it through a national referendum and enact it the adopted constitution through parliament.
   
4. 
   Press statement congratulating of Mr. Elijah Chola Banda State Counsel on his election as President of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU)
   
5. 
   The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) made a press statement to commend the Acting Chief Justice commending her for acknowledging the reality of corruption in the Judiciary on Tuesday, 2nd July, 2014
   
6. 
   Press statement on the passing on of the Republican President H. E. Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata made on 29^th October 2014. LAZ issued a message of condolences to the nation and the family of the late President following his demise on 28^th October 2014.
   
7. 
   Press statement on the acting presidency and the presidential election 21^st November 2014. LAZ issued a statement on the qualifications for persons to act as President of the Republic of Zambia in the event of the demise of a sitting President; qualifications for presidential candidates to run for the office of President of the Republic of Zambia; on the need for a people-driven constitution to address the flaws in our Constitution – particularly the ones that became apparent on the demise of the late President Michael Chilufya Sata; and on the need for peace and security in the run-up to the presidential election.
   
8. 
   Press statement on reported government interference with news reporting on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) on 26th November, 2014. LAZ strongly condemned the storming of ZNBC by Patriotic Front officials, namely the then Minister of Youth and Sport, Honorable Sylvia Masebo and Acting Deputy National Secretary, who attempted to interfere with the content of the news broadcast by ZNBC on the grounds that it was unfavourable to the ruling party.
   
9. 
   Press statement on the powers of an Acting President of the Republic of Zambia and the power to transfer of permanent secretaries by an Acting President 1^st December 2014. LAZ issued a statement laying out what the powers of an Acting President. LAZ also opined that that an Acting President has the power to transfer Permanent Secretaries but not to dismiss them.
   
10. 
    Press statement on the question of whether Cabinet Ministers have the power to remove the Acting President from office. Following media reports that of a statement by fourteen Cabinet Ministers declaring a vote of no confidence in Acting President Guy Scott and directing the Secretary to the Cabinet to convene a meeting to discuss the replacement of the Acting President, LAZ issued a statement stating that the Cabinet Ministers had no such powers under the Constitution.
    
11. 
    Press Statement condemning the violence perpetrated by PF cadres against UPND officials during campaigns in Shiwang’andu. LAZ urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to call a stake holders meeting to address the issue of political violence.
    
12. 
    Press statement on the presidential election 29^th January 2015. LAZ monitored the presidential election and issued a press statement declaring that the elections were free and fair. LAZ also raised concern with pre-election violence and voter apathy.
    
13. 
    Press Statement on the victory of Mr E.C. Lungu on his election as Republican President
    

14. 
    Press statement on the arrest of the DPP 13^th February 2015. LAZ issued a statement expressing concern at the manner in which the law enforcement agencies executed an arrest warrant against the DPP in clear contravention of a High Court order staying the execution of the arrest warrant.
    
15. 
    Press statement on the statement issued by the Patriotic Front Secretary-General on the ruling of Judge Mwila Chitabo over the judicial review of the suspension of the DPP 13^th March 2015. LAZ issued a statement strongly condemning the statement by Mr. Chama. LAZ called for the protection of judicial officers and the respect for the independence of the judiciary.
    
16. 
    Press Statement on the President’s appointment of a substantive Chief Justice. LAZ issued a statement expressing pleasure at the long-awaited appointment of a substantive Chief Justice.