Zambia: Guy Scott Rejects Resignation Call

By Chusa Sichone

CABINET has asked Acting President Guy Scott to resign from his position with immediate effect.

Fourteen Cabinet ministers have since asked Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska and the Attorney General Musa Mwenye to convene an emergency meeting which will discuss Dr Scott's replacement.

The ministers include Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, Home Affairs' Ngosa Simbyakula, Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba, Gender and Child Development Minister Inonge Wina and Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma.

Others are Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda, Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata, Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Childhood Education Minister John Phiri and Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo.

Mr Kalaba, who spoke on behalf of the group during a media briefing at his office, said following the death of President Michael Sata, the transition had been led by Dr Scott in a "dangerous and haphazard manner."

"We urge Dr Scott to immediately resign from his position as Acting Republican President on moral grounds. As Cabinet ministers, we have decided to express a clear vote-of-no-confidence in his leadership and in his ability to carry out the remaining duration of the transition," Mr Kalaba said.

He further accused Dr Scott of leading the transition process without due regard for peace, security, unity and stability that Zambia was renowned for.

The 14 Cabinet ministers have since unreservedly apologised to the nation for affirming that Dr Scott should act as President during the October 29, 2014 Cabinet meeting, adding that the confidence and trust they reposed in Dr Scott was totally misplaced.

The ministers accused Dr Scott of repeatedly abusing their confidence and trust, as well as persistently working against the Patriotic Front (PF).

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Zambia: Guy Scott Rejects Resignation Call