DON’T CHANGE CONSTITUTION TO IMPRESS ONE MAN, SAYS SHAKAFUSWA. Former Katuba Member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa has cautioned Zambians against changing the Constitution to suit or impress one individual, warning that the country could live to regret such a decision. Mr. Shakafuswa says the Constitution should not be tailored around an individual or particular political […]

DON’T CHANGE CONSTITUTION TO IMPRESS ONE MAN, SAYS SHAKAFUSWA.

Former Katuba Member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa has cautioned Zambians against changing the Constitution to suit or impress one individual, warning that the country could live to regret such a decision.

Mr. Shakafuswa says the Constitution should not be tailored around an individual or particular political interests, arguing that leaders come and go while the laws governing the country must stand the test of time.

He says Zambians should remember the resistance to former President Edgar Lungu’s attempts to secure a third term, arguing that the same principles that guided the country at the time should continue to apply today.

Mr. Shakafuswa has also cautioned Members of Parliament against falling into what he describes as the trap of tampering with constitutional safeguards for selfish or short-term political interests.

“When you tailor a Constitution to a person or individuals, it usually fails the test of time. You live to regret as a nation. People and individuals come in different forms. Power changes them. A sheep will be a wolf tomorrow. Only foolish people would tamper with their safeguards against the test of time.

“We fought ECL’s attempts at a third term despite him only being President for less than 10 years. The reasoning and resolve behind our rejection should stand today.”

Mr. Shakafuswa says Members of Parliament are referred to as Honourable Members because they are expected to act with integrity and put the interests of the Zambian people above personal or political considerations.

“They need to be honourable in their character and in their discharge of affairs on behalf of the people of Zambia, not their selfish motives.

“A Constitution should never be tailored around an individual. A bad leader will rule one day, reminding you that his rule is lawful according to a bad Constitution you allowed today,” he stated.

-Zambian Watch