Parliament has ratified the appointment of Michael Musonda to serve as Deputy Chief Justice of Zambia.

The ratification follows a motion that was moved in Parliament by Msanzala PF member of parliament Peter Daka representing the Parliamentary select committee and was seconded by Chisamba UPND MP Chushi Kasanda.

Laying the motion before the floor of the House, Thursday, Daka said after careful scrutiny of the nominee, it was proved that he is of sound character and suitable for the job.

“Madam Speaker, the judiciary as a branch of government is mandated by the Constitution to administer justice according to the law. It is, therefore, a pivotal role in ensuring good governance and upholding the rule of law. In view of this, the committee resolved that only a competent person with unquestionable integrity, diligence, eminence and sound character should be appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia. Above all, a person has to be committed to the promotion of the rule of law,” said Daka.

“Therefore, the committee carefully selected witnesses to assist it to scrutinize the suitability of the nominee. The committee requested memorandum from relevant state security agencies, professional bodies, and other stakeholders and the appointing authority. The witnesses also appeared before the committee to make oral submissions. Further, the committee interviewed the nominee and carefully scrutinized his curriculum vitae. The committee notes with satisfaction that all the state security agencies indicated that there were adverse security concerns against the nominee.”

And Justice Minister Given Lubinda reiterated government’s commitment to improving judges’ working environment.

“The Ministry of Justice through the minister has come to this House and lamented the difficult circumstances under which our judges are operating and this is an assurance that government is not only lamenting this problem but that we are taking all measures within our reach to improve the working environment for our judges. I just want to also take advantage of this to appeal to all members of parliament to support the Judiciary in providing resources from their Constituency Development Fund to provide for a very important level of justice dispensation in Zambia, namely the local court infrastructure,” said Lubinda.