ActionAid Zambia has welcomed the decision by the President Edgar Lungu, in revoking the recent appointment of the Financial Intelligence Centre – FIC Board Chairperson George Siame, but questions have arisen on who conducted the security checks and cleared Siame for appointment.
The Minister of Finance had on September 10th , 2019 announced the appointment of the new FIC management board to be chaired by George Siame. President Edgar Lungu has since revoked the appointment of Chilengwe as FIC board chairperson as he is believed to be under a court ruling for a case of Gender based violence.
It is a routine but important process that security and vital statistics checks are conducted on all proposed appointees but how did this one go through? Someone or a committee made this decision to clear the name but there has been no feedback and accountability for such blunders, which are embarrassing for the finance minister, the state and the office of the president.
In a statement made available to the Zambian Business Time – ZBT, Action Aid Country Director Nalucha Ziba has commended the act by government saying it shows the President’s commitment to protect the integrity of the institution as well as upholding the gains registered in the fight against Gender Based Violence.
“By revoking the appointment of a man who was reported to have assaulted a female Human Resource Manager whilst he served as a Senior Commissioner at Zambia Revenue Authority in 2009. The President’s decision is timely, amidst the rising number of reported GBV cases.” She saidt
She added that it is ActionAid Zambia’s sincere hope that the President continues on the same path adding that consideration should be given to capable women when appointing the next FIC Board Chairperson as the country seeks to put more women in decision making positions.
