HH Urges New Ministers to Serve All Zambians Equally, Stay Humble
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NewsPRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged newly sworn-in Cabinet and Provincial Ministers to serve all Zambians equally, uphold the rule of law and remain humble in the execution of their duties. Speaking at State House on during the swearing-in ceremony for Cabinet Ministers, President Hichilema said public officers must operate within the confines of the law
Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this storyPRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has urged newly sworn-in Cabinet and Provincial Ministers to serve all Zambians equally, uphold the rule of law and remain humble in the execution of their duties.
Speaking at State House on during the swearing-in ceremony for Cabinet Ministers, President Hichilema said public officers must operate within the confines of the law and ensure equitable service delivery to all citizens.
“I do not need to repeat what you already know, but I would say that, in an environment such as this, we must operate within the law. When the law stands in our way, we change it through the proper legal and constitutional processes,” President Hichilema said.
The President said there should be no distinction among Zambians, adding that government services must be delivered fairly and without discrimination.
“Therefore, we must remain within the law and serve all Zambians equally. There must be no distinction between Zambians, as though some are less deserving or more important than others,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema said the country could only make meaningful progress if it operated as one unitary state, with administrative arrangements serving only to improve service delivery.
“We must remain one unitary state. Any other administrative arrangements are simply for convenience and for the purpose of delivering services to the people,” he said.
The Head of State also urged the new ministers to uphold principles of individual and collective responsibility.
“You cannot be a Cabinet minister, attend Cabinet meetings, and then, when you leave this place, distance yourself from the decisions made here. That is not how government operates. I call this individual and collective responsibility,” he said.
He stressed that integrity was essential in public service and cautioned ministers against using their positions to intimidate others.
President Hichilema further expressed concern over what he described as changes in behaviour of some ministers shortly after appointment.
“I have seen people change their behaviour within days of being sworn in as ministers. I am watching it. I expect even greater humility. I am not joking. Let our people see that we are humble,” he said.
He said ministers should remember their responsibility to the people and treat members of the public with respect.
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