Transparency watchdog calls on Auditor General, Sichembe, to resign over alleged K1 million scandal

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called on the Auditor General Dr. Dick Sichembe to consider resigning to allow for a thorough and credible trial following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Sichembe was this week arrested for corrupt practices involving K1million by the Ant-Corruption Commission and TIZ Executive Director Maurice Nyambe has welcomed this move by the law enforcement agency.

Nyambe said in a statement on Saturday that the call for Dr. Sichembe to resign is purely on moral grounds because TIZ is aware that his office enjoys constitutional security of tenure.

“TIZ believes that there should be no sacred cows when it comes to the fight against corruption and the arrest of such a senior official within the government system certainly fits this narrative,” he said.

Nyambe said once Dr. Sichembe’s trial commences, it will give him the opportunity to defend himself against the charges slapped on him, while also believing that the ACC has done its due diligence in investigating this matter considering his high standing and the critical importance of his office.

He has reiterated TI-Z’s call for the President to fire Ministers found wanting because it is within the President’s powers to do so, and also within his powers to reappoint them if cleared of all charges.

“This action is not a declaration that the Minister suspected of corruption is guilty, but solely meant to facilitate for thorough investigations, without any interference,” Nyambe said.

Contributed by Augustine Sichula

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