SPEAKER of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Matibini has commended the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) for its renewed commitment in collaborating with the National Assembly on matters of governance.
According to statement issued by Clerk of the National Assembly Cecilia Mbewe, Speaker Matibini was speaking when the newly elected LAZ president Abyudi Shonga State Counsel paid a courtesy call on him, Wednesday.
Dr Matibini stressed the need for the Association to get more involved in the work of Parliament.
Dr Matibini said enhanced engagement and contribution to the work of Parliament was cardinal in fostering the relationship between the two institutions.
He, however, noted that, critical governance related matters ought to be resolved through engagement, as opposed to initiating legal actions as a first resort.
Dr Matibini noted that it was wise of the LAZ leadership to trace its birthplace.
“The Association is in fact established through an Act of Parliament. Thus the institution should be professional and focused on its statutory mandate and mission. And ensure that it
transacts its business in an apolitical manner or fashion,” said Dr Matibini.
Dr Matibini, indicated to the Association that he was open and amenable to dialogue whenever necessary.
Meanwhile, Shonga pledged to collaborate and interface with the National Assembly of Zambia as mandated, especially in the area of promoting the reform of the law, both by the amendment of and the removal of imperfections in existing law, and by the re-formulation, codification or restatement of particular branches of the law.
To this end, he expressed gratitude for the invitations to participate in making submissions on bills that were under consideration by the National Assembly.
Shonga, however, implored the National Assembly to consider increasing the notice period that the Association is given to make submissions before the relevant committees in order to make significant contributions.
Shonga further expressed concern that, in some cases, well researched contributions by LAZ were glossed over and therefore, urged the National Assembly to apply much more consideration to the submissions.
Shonga was accompanied by two other Council Members; Sokwani Chilembo and Kampamba Kombe.
2 Responses
This is progressive……We really need such engagements for all stake holders. They should all come together and resolve pertinent issues affecting our constitution. Not walking away or talking through the media. The judgement of an issue can only come out of a debate or dialogue.
Bishop Emmanuel Bwalya, yes toy are right, only to an extent under normal and sober leadership. These are extraordinary times our country is undergoing and not till such a time that good people reign again will your theory apply.