The Patriotic Front in North Western Province says if the crusade against corruption which the UPND government has embarked on is genuine, it should not be selective.
PF provincial chairperson Enoch Kapalu said in an interview that wondered why politicians are the only ones who are being targeted leaving controlling officers and directors who have oversight of the resources in ministries and spending agencies.
Mr. Kapalu said according to the government operational system, a minister does not authorise payments but rather its done by technocrats.
“Those are some of the issues we are trying to raise because I have never heard of any Permanent Secretary being arrested yet these are the people who control these ministries, “said Mr. Kapalu.
His comment follows the recent arrest of Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo.
Mr. Kapalu however said the purported fight against corruption is meant to divert people’s attention from the wrongs the New Dawn Government is doing.
He wondered why on his (Lusambo) day of arrest it was reported that the Kabushi lawmaker had 49 properties but that the following day, the statement to changed to only four houses.
“Now, a person has been a minister for five years, you mean he cannot build four houses in five years? He asked.”
He disclosed that in most cases once someone is appointed to such a position, banks come to offer loans.
He said his party supports the fight against corruption but will not entertain the manner in which it is being conducted.
“And in this case you will find that the most vocal PF members are the ones being targeted,” he said.
He said government should now concentrate on delivering its promises and not fighting political opponents.
He said people are interested in seeing the cost of living going down by reducing commodity prices which are currently high.
He said the UPND whilst in opposition promised Zambians reduced price of mealie meal, fuel, fertilizer among other things.
“Those are the things they promised and they are on record. These arrests are just a retribution and people are not interested in that,” he said.
