President Edgar Lungu has accepted the landmark judgement by the Constitutional Court that Ministers were in office illegally and should with immediate effect vacate.
The Constitutional Court on Monday ruled in favour of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and opposition UPND who had contested President Lungu’s decision to maintain his cabinet despite the dissolution of Parliament.
The Court ruled that the Minister’s lifespan ended when Parliament was dissolved. It has also ordered the ministers to pay back the salaries, allowances and other emoluments they have drawn from the treasury since May 12, 2016 when Parliament was dissolved.
Constitutional Court president Hildah Chibomba, who sat with Enock Mulembe and Mulela Munalula said the ministers’ continued stay in office was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.
Commenting on the ruling Monday evening, President Lungu said though he had a different legal view on the matter he will abide by the court’s decision.
President Lungu said the court is there to interpret the law and urged his Ministers to handover their offices.