7 November 2009
editorial
FROM the time it was constituted, the Taskforce on Corruption has been at the centre of controversy and even its dissolution has been surrounded by controversy.
Unfortunately, there are some politicians and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whose position on national matters is not driven by principle but political opportunism.
It is surprising that some politicians who, not long ago, campaigned against the Taskforce and called for its abolishment are now opposed.
These politicians stood at many public fora and questioned the legality of the Taskforce and were in the forefront of suggesting that the functions of the Taskforce are best carried out by the existing security agencies.
Some of them proposed that the functions be assigned to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) or the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
It was argued that the resources that were being expended by the Taskforce should be allocated to either the ACC or the DEC to enhance their operations.
But now that the Government had done what they had long campaigned for, they have changed goal posts and are accusing the Government of encouraging corruption.
But from the information released by the Government so far, it is clear that the Taskforce was a drain on national resources as what has been recovered is far below the amount of money spent.
If the huge sums of money paid out in legal fees and other expenses had been given to the ACC, the institution would have improved its capacity and done the same job with minimal costs.
It is surprising that private lawyers hired by the Taskforce were receiving huge salaries and fees far above the fellow prosecutors whom they were working with.
It should not be lost on mind that officers at the Taskforce were actually seconded from the Zambia Police Service, ACC and DEC and it is therefore the same people who will continue with the existing cases.
There is, therefore, no cause for alarm that the fight against corruption will be compromised when Government has already shown political will to combat the scourge.
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