Deputy permanent secretary for Central Province Patrick Mwanawasa has resigned from his position, effective November 7, 2019.

Mwanawasa was recently sued by a Lusaka businessman Lombe Paul Ikechi Okpara, claiming that the high ranking government official had been committing adultery with his wife.

He has however told News Diggers that the adultery scandal has not forced him to resign as it is the least of his worries.

In a letter dated October 7, 2019 and addressed to the Central Province Permanent Secretary, Mwanawasa thanked President Edgar Lungu for giving him an opportunity to serve in his government.

“In accordance with my conditions of service on first appointment as provided in my minute of appointment dated 24th April 2015, I hereby tender my resignation. In lieu of a month’s notice I will be stepping down from the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary of central province on the 7th of November, 2019” read the letter.

“I most sincerely would like to thank His Excellency, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu our President for having considered me to serve under his government. It was an opportunity of great honour and privilege. As I depart, I wish the President all the best and God’s abundant grace as he steers our country to greater heights.”

As soon as news of his resignation went viral on social media, netizens linked it to a recent case in which Mwanawasa was sued for adultery by Lusaka businessman Lombe Paul Ikechi Okpara.

According to a claim filed in the Lusaka High Court, Lombe stated that his wife, Musamba Samantha Mulenga Okpara, admitted to committing adultery with Mwanawasa.

But when asked if his resignation was linked to this, Mwanawasa said that case was the least of his worries.

“No of course not it’s the least of my worries. I just need a new challenge,” said Mwanawasa.