In a press statement Issued by NAREP acting spokesperson, Frank Sichone, dated September 22, 2016, the Elias Chipimo-led party says during this time of financial challenges, the introduction of any new Ministry will further exacerbate the country’s financial woes.
Sichone notes thay the government should be critically looking at reducing excess spending and one effective way is to consider trimming down of ministries.
“We in NAREP are happy to note the President’s efforts towards fulfilling the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation. NAREP salutes the need for the country to be governed by Christian principles in servitude to the people of Zambia. However, the proposal to introduce a new ministry to manage religious affairs cannot go without comment,” Sichone said in a statement.
“Therefore, we recommend that President Lungu should not introduce a new Ministry for this purpose, but instead consider the appointment of a religious adviser as Chaplain.”
He says the Chaplain’s role will directly advise the President and political leaders on religious matters.
“One such example of a successfully functional Chaplaincy is that of the United States of America where the church and the state run separately with Barry C. Black serving as Chaplain to the Senate. This model has ensured that whilst the state and the church are run separately, God is not separated from the state.
“At a time when the nation is facing serious financial challenges, the introduction of any new Ministry will further exacerbate the country’s financial woes. Critically, the government should be looking at reducing excess spending and one effective way is to consider trimming down of ministries.”
Sichone has since appealed to Lungu to rescind his decision before it is taken to parliament for ratification and instead appoint a Chaplain at a lesser cost to the suffering people of Zambians.
Meanwhile, NAREP has backed the candidature of Dr Patrick Matibini as a speaker of the National Assembly.
“Regarding the continuation of Dr. Patrick Matibini as Speaker of the National Assembly, NAREP supports this nomination and asks all Members of Parliament to support this nomination. Dr. Matibini’s prior experience in managing the house is commendable. Zambia does not need to change Speakers like we do to politicians as the resources invested in the existing one can still suffice. We see no grounds for not supporting Dr. Matibini’s re-election to the office of Speaker for another term,”
And Sichone has asked Lungu to be more inclusive when appointing the remaining cabinet Minister’s.
“Concerning the new Cabinet appointments, we are asking the President to be more inclusive and to appoint people on merit of those who can deliver to the expectation of the Zambian people. A separate comprehensive statement on this one will be issued after a full Cabinet is announced.”