Independent judiciary praised

The United National Independence Party (UNIP) on the Copperbelt has praised President Hakainde Hichilema and his government over his stance of non-interference in operations of the judiciary in the country.

And the opposition party has advised government to no longer invite embattled Bishop Trevor Mwamba to State functions since he is no longer its leader.

According to a statement made available to ZANIS in Ndola Friday,   Copperbelt  UNIP Party Secretary West Phiri said independence of the judiciary can be seen from the way the court has handled the Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji case.

Mr. Phiri has consequently congratulated the duo  for the brevity exhibited by fighting their case in court.

He observed that courts under the UPND government have instilled confidence in the people saying the situation was different in the governments before.

In another development, Mr. Phiri has dismissed reports by Trevor Mwamba that he is the spokesperson for the party.

He explained that Mr. Mwamba’s case is still under the courts adding that the members of the public will be notified once the courts disposes off his case.

Meanwhile, the opposition party has advised government to no longer invite embattled Bishop Trevor Mwamba to State functions since he is no longer its leader.

According to a statement obtained by ZANIS in Lusaka Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Miyoba, UNIP president, says Bishop Mwamba is not UNIP president and should not be invited to any State functions.

Lt. Col. Miyoba ( Rtd. ) said in a letter to Secretary to Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa that Bishop Mwamba was elected illegally in 2019.

“ Bishop Trevor Mwamba was elected outside cause 2019/HP/2019 injunction for a joint congress by plaintiffs and defendants in the matter and Bishop Trevor Mwamba and his team are not part of this court injunction dated 22nd August, 2022.

“ Nobody knows how they became UNIP leaders, “ says Lt. Col. Miyoba ( Rtd.)

He further states that even Chief Registrar of Societies has not recognized the embattled Bishop’s team asking why they should claim UNIP leadership without observing the order of the court and the procedures enshrined in UNIP constitution.

Efforts to  get Bishop Mwamba’s reaction to the issue proved futile by broadcast time as he was an unreachable.