CHIEF Registrar of Societies Clement Andeleki has resigned his position.

Mr Andeleki, who served as Registrar of Societies from December 1, 2011 to date, said yesterday when he announced his resignation that he would now like to serve the country in a different capacity.

Mr Andeleki said in an interview that he was resigning his position with immediate effect to serve the people of Zambia at a different level.

He has since tendered his resignation letter to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mr Andeleki said time had come for him to leave the office of the registrar to serve the country at another level.

"Yes it is very true. I have resigned my position and I wish to inform the nation today January the 10th 2013 that I have resigned my position as Registrar of Societies, a position I cherished so much in order to save the nation at another level," Mr Andeleki said.

Mr Andeleki thanked the Church, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations and the people of Zambia in general for the unwavering support they rendered to him during the tenure of his office.

He also thanked the appointing authority for having allowed him to serve in such an important public office.

Mr Andeleki said he had no doubt that the office would continue to climb higher heights even in his absence.

He thanked the media for the support rendered to him during the tenure of his office.

Last year, Mr Andeleki was at the centre of controversy when he deregistered the opposition MMD for non-settlement of statutory fees amounting to more than K390 million for more than 19 years.

The MMD was only saved by the courts of law through reversed de-registration.

Mr Andeleki also de-registered Mount Zion Spiritual Church in Zambia, a church whose bishop was arrested in connection with the killing of National Institute for Public Administration (NIPA)student Ruth Mbandu, and another church called House of Joy International Church.

He also de-registered the Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMA) and the Zambia Traders and Marketeers Association (ZATMA).