Party leader, Silavwe, accuses Hichilema’s government of politicising state institutions

Jackson Silavwe, leader of the Golden Party of Zambia, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema’s government of politicising state institutions, contributing to high corruption levels marked by incompetence, nepotism and embezzlement.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Silavwe claimed that individuals and companies must first align themselves with the ruling party to access government contracts.

“For the past three years, President Hichilema has purposefully ignored corruption within his government and among senior UPND officials, despite calls from well-meaning citizens to show political will and stamp it out,” Silavwe said.

He referred to recent revelations of corruption cover-ups involving persons alleged to have ties to the presidency, along with the subsequent resignation of the ACC Director-General, as evidence of widespread malfeasance.

Silavwe alleged that corruption had tainted civil service appointments, promotions, contract awards, local contractor payments and the procurement of goods and services under Hichilema’s administration.

Emphasizing the need for strong, independent institutions to combat corruption, Silavwe stated, “Corruption hurts the country no matter who is involved. It depletes the trust people have in their government and public officials.”

Silavwe highlighted that corruption wastes money earmarked for public needs, and demanded that the President takes decisive action to stop corruption for the benefit of all citizens.

He cautioned that the fight against corruption be based on the law and not personal feelings.

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