By 
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of breaching the Constitution in the Mopani Copper Mines transaction.
Party leader, Kasonde Mwenda, said Hichilema had sold 51 percent shares of ZCCM-IH in Mopani Copper Mines to Delta Mining without the required Parliamentary approval.
Kasonde in a statement said that the transaction was an impeachable offense and that it was just a matter of time before he meets the ramifications of the illegality.
“Article 210(2) of the Constitution clearly outlines the process for selling major state assets and necessitates approval from the National Assembly by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of Parliament,” Mwenda cited.
He said this constitutional provision acts as a safeguard to ensure transparency, accountability and oversight in the sale of key national assets.
Kasonde and hued that Zambians should own and operate the mines and the export of ore should be banned to encourage processing in Zambia, producing finished products for export.
“This position will result in increased revenues from the private sector, the creation of jobs and ultimately sustainable economic development leading to the economic emancipation of all citizens,” said the EFF leader.
He stated that the Speaker’s refusal to allow a question on the President’s breach of the Constitution revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing the Standing Orders of Parliament over the supreme law of the land.
Kasonde accused the Speaker of shielding the President from accountability and scrutiny, condoning executive overreach and undermining the principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“The EFF calls on the Speaker to revisit her decision and allow for a thorough examination of the President’s actions in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of democratic governance,” he advised.
Kasonde noted that it was crucial that the Constitution takes precedence over the Standing Orders in matters of national importance and accountability to ensure the rule of law was respected.
He demanded that the President be held accountable for his unconstitutional actions and that the National Assembly upholds the principles of transparency, accountability and oversight in the sale of key national assets.
“Failure to do so would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the very foundations of our democratic system,” Kasonde stated.
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