The University of Zambia Caritas chapter has commended the ruling by the Constitutional Court that ministers should pay back salaries and allowances they accrued while holding on to office after parliament was dissolved.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka Star, UNZA Caritas Chapter Vice President Mainga Moonga said the order shows that there is judicial activism in the country.
He said the ruling was for the good of the country, hence the need for Zambians not to criticise it.
“There is really nothing wrong with the court ruling. This is for the good of Zambia. The ruling will actually save us on the resources, as the money which was paid in salaries and allowances will be channeled towards sectors of the economy that need urgent funding, such as health,” said Moonga
Mr. Moonga also noted that Zambia’s democracy would grow if such impartial court rulings continued.
“These judges in the Constitutional Court are appointed by the president. So if they make a ruling against the executive, it shows boldness and that this country is headed to a constitutional era where judges are actually the guardians of justice. So what they did should be commended,” said Moonga.
Early this week, the Constitutional Court ordered Cabinet and provincial ministers to vacate their offices and pay back salaries and allowances they were paid after Parliament was dissolved.
The court ruled that it was unconstitutional for cabinet, provincial ministers and their deputies to continue occupying office after the dissolution of parliament on May 11.