Justice Ireen Mambilima who served as Chairman of the Zambia Electoral Commission and supervised the January 20 election which President Edgar Lungu won has been sworn in as the Chief Justice of Zambia.
After her swearing Chief Justice Mambilima pledged to “expedite the delivery of justice” in Zambia.
“There is a lot to be done. We will hit the ground running and address the issues that are affecting the delivery of justice. But of course, it needs the input of everybody – the bar, the public, the government and ourselves. So we will start now and meet the stakeholders and see the way forward”, she pledged.
In a speech President Lungu expressed confidence that Justice Mambilima would excel in her new office, looking at the pressures she handled as chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
At the same occasion President Lungu ordered the police to investigate UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, who came second the January presidential election over his self-professed control of state intelligence because he was worried about the statement.
“A trend has crept in where there is lack of respect for these public offices. Let me take advantage of this opportunity to point out that we all have a role to play and we should harmonise our roles in such a manner that we deliver as one.
“I’m mindful of certain reports whereby the president of United Party for National Development, Hakainde Hichilema, claims he is controlling the state security in Zambia, and I expect the police to move in and find out how he is doing so. Has he powers of the Head of State or not?” he asked.
President Lungu said there could only be one president at a time.
“If it’s politicking, let it be known that it is mere politicking because the last four or five days have worried me. We can’t have two presidents. If it is intended to bring about confusion in the state intelligence system, let it be known as one of those illusions that politicians will forever change when they are in opposition.
“I want to let you know that there is only one Head of State, and that is me and through me, we are all going to be governed until my mandate is exhausted,” he said.
President Lungu therefore directed the police to question Hakainde on how he was controlling the country’s intelligence and identify who the traitors were within the system.
