The Zambian Government is expected to take a motion to Parliament seeking the removal of former president Rupiah Banda’s immunity from prosecution.
This is meant to allow Mr Banda answer to alleged corruption allegations committed during his three-year reign.
Last month, a state investigative wing, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) wrote to Mr Banda seeking to investigate him over similar allegations, a move his lawyers declined.
According to Zambia’s Constitution, Mr Banda cannot currently face prosecution for any crimes until his immunity is lifted.
“Take notice that I intend to move the National Assembly on Friday, March 15 2013, for a resolution to determine the question whether or not the removal of the immunity conferred on Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda as former president under Article 43(1), 43(2) as read together with article 43(3), would be contrary to the interests of the state as outlined in the grounds attached to this notice,” a letter written by Zambia Justice minister Wynter Kabimba to National Assembly Speaker Patrick Matibini reads in part.
Late Thursday, Mr Banda’s former ruling party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) held a press briefing at Parliament Buildings and said they would move to court to block the move.
Mr Banda last week asked people calling for the lifting of his immunity to “leave him alone to enjoy his retirement” according to the local media.
Manoeuvres to have Mr Banda’s immunity stripped have been backed by an interest group, Transparency International Zambia, an anti-corruption advocate.
NMG
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