The revelation by a very senior cabinet minister Harry Kalaba that he has resigned from government because those who are expected to end corruption are in fact in the forefront of looting public resources is a very serious assertion. The assertion actually puts into question the Executive authority of President Edgar Lungu. In effect, it means President Lungu has compromised principles of Executive authority and thereby lost the moral right to continue in office.

The Constitution of the Republic of Zambia in Article 90 provides that the Executive authority derives from the people of Zambia, and that it shall be exercised in a manner compatible with the principles of social justice, and for the people’s well-being and benefit. In this regard, looting of public resources violates principles of social justice as espoused in Article 8. It also violates principles of morality and ethics, patriotism, good governance, and integrity.

Since Executive authority of the State is vested in the President, the allegations imply that President Lungu has failed to respect, uphold and safeguard the Constitution and the rule of law thereby offending Article 91.

Three options are triggered as a consequence: the first option is that the President lifts the veils of secrecy oath for Kalaba so that he justifies his looting allegations. The second option is that the President resigns and allows Vice President Inonge Wina to continue and finish the term. The third alternative is that dissolves parliament in order to renew his mandate, if he wishes to continue as President of the Republic.

Failure to trigger one of the three options will have serious ramifications. Not only will it worsen political and social tension in the nation but may also cause our cooperating partners to withhold aid. That will seriously jeopardize the just-approved National budget.

So, in the interest of promoting national values, principles and economic policies, President Lungu should immediately trigger one of the three options to take effect.