President Hichilema Prohibits & Bans Ministers From Issuing Verbal Instructions

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned newly appointed cabinet and provincial ministers to desist from issuing verbal instructions to Permanent secretaries and their subordinates with a view to gain preferential treatment.

Speaking at the induction workshop of ministers at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka today, President Hichilema said that the constitution provides that a decision or instruction of the President shall be in writing under the President's signature.

"In line with the constitution of Zambia particularly article 931 which provides that, 'a decision or instruction of the President shall be in writing under the President's signature'.

"In my party as your colleague, I will abide by this constitutional provision in my giving instructions to you as ministers, similarly it follows that your instructions to your permanent secretaries shall also be in writing." the head of state said.

Mr. Hichilema believes that this will help in ensuring there is clarity of instructions and no misunderstanding and that everyone will be held accountable for their decisions.

“This New Dawn means working and working hard for the people of our Country. Today's induction workshop should be a benchmark on how Ministers will operate and this will be the trend going forward as it will be helping us appraise the Ministers. Five years is a short period of time and we have to deliver the people's expectations and all Ministers must work hard. We have a nation to run and YES, we have to deliver the jobs, business opportunities, education and quality healthcare services among others, which we promised the people of Zambia” he said.