Civil Society Oppose Lifting Rupiah Banda’s Immunity

The civil society has opposed the removal of former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity without tangible evidence.

The Non Governmental Organisation Coordinating Committee (NGOCC), Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) and the Southern Centre for Constructive Resolution of Dispute (SACCORD) have argued that Parliament should be satisfied that there is a strong case warranting the removal of former president Banda’s immunity before commencing any action.

NGOCC chairperson Beatrice Grillo said despite the fact that no one is against the law, Parliament should following the procedure and allow the former president to defend himself before removing his immunity.

FODEP executive director MacDonald Chipenzi said it will be premature for them to out rightly support the removal of former president Banda’s immunity for allegation they do not know at the moment.

“I would rather see government providing us with those charges to say this is what this man did so that we have enough evidence as much as possible before taking any action,” he said.

SACCORD information officer Obby Chibulu said if the former president committed any offence, the law enforcement agencies should take the matter to Parliament where they need to scrutinise whether there is enough evidence to lift the immunity.

The PF government has been trying to fast track the removal of the former president’s immunity following a good international reputation he has built after leaving office peacefully in 2011.